Esophagitis is the inflammation of the esophagus, the tube through which food travels from the pharynx to the stomach. The most common causes for esophagitis are injury due to reflux, viral infections, fungal infection and inflammation from taking pills.
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a condition in which stomach contents back into the esophagus. Michael DiMarino, M.D., clinical assistant professor of medicine at Thomas Jefferson University, writes in "The Merck Manual for Healthcare Professionals" that reflux contributes to esophagitis because of the acidic nature of the stomach contents which irritate the lining. The risk factors for developing GERD include pregnancy, cigarette smoking, obesity and large consumptions of alcohol, caffeine, chocolate and fatty foods.
Herpes Simplex Virus
As explained by Kenneth McQuaid, M.D., professor of clinical medicine at the University of California, individuals with an impaired immune system are at risk of about developing esophagitis from herpes simplex infection. Because their immune system is compromised, they are more susceptible to certain infections, including those caused by the herpes simplex virus. Examples of an impaired immune system include people who are taking chemotherapy or steroids, chronic alcoholics, or those suffering from leukemia, lymphoma or AIDS. This virus will cause very distinctive ulcers in the esophagus, called "punched-out" ulcers due to their appearance.
Cytomegalovirus
Those with impaired immune systems are also very susceptible to infections caused by the cytomegalovirus. Ramzi Cotran, M.D. writes in "Robbins Pathologic Basis of Disease" that, like the herpes simplex virus, this virus can also cause esophagitis and punched-out ulcers.
Candida albicans
Candida albicans is a fungus that normally inhabits the mucous membranes of the esophagus, stomach, intestines, upper respiratory and female genital tracts. It is harmless, but does grow in overabundance when given the opportunity. Its overabundance causes inflammation, including esophagitis. The risk factors for overgrowth include diabetes, pregnancy, an impaired immune system, certain antibiotics, recent surgery and kidney failure.
Pills
Pills can cause esophagitis if they are in contact with the mucous membrane that lines the esophagus for a long enough time. Dr. Kenneth McQuaid writes in "Current Medical Diagnosis & Treatment," that the most common pills that cause esophagitis include NSAIDs, vitamin C, iron, tetracycline, doxycycline, TMP-SMX (trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole) and clindamycin. You are at risk of esophagitis if you take your pills without drinking at least 4-oz. of water, or take them while you are lying down. McQuaid also recommends not lying down for 30 minutes after taking pills.
References
- "Current Medical Diagnosis & Treatment 2009"; Stephen McPhee, M.D., Maxine Papadakis, M.D.; 2009
- "Robbins Pathologic Basis of Disease"; Ramzi Cotran, M.D., Vinay Kumar, M.D., Stanley Robbins, M.D.; 1994
- The Merck Manual: Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
