Esophagitis

This is an inflammation that damages tissues of the esophagus, the muscular tube that delivers food from one's mouth to the stomach. Esophagitis often causes pain, difficulty swallowing and chest pain. The causes of this condition include stomach acids backing up into the esophagus, oral medications, infection and allergies.

The signs and symptoms of Esophagitis include:

• Painful swallowing
• Difficulty swallowing
• Vomiting
• Nausea
• Cough
• Abdominal Pain
• Decreased appetite
• Chest pain, particularly behind the breastbone that occurs with eating
• Heartburn

If left untreated, Esophagitis can lead to changes in the structure as well as function of the esophagus. These include:

• Rings of abnormal tissue in the lining of the esophagus
• Narrowing of the esophagus
• Barrett's esophagus in which the cells lining the esophagus are changed which makes this condition a risk factor for esophageal cancer

Contact your doctor if your signs or symptoms:

• Are making eating difficult
• Don't improve or go away with over the counter antacids
• Are accompanied by flu symptoms such as fever and headache
• Are accompanied by chest pain or shortness of breath instantly with eating