Esophagitis can damage the lining of the esophagus, causing bleeding or ulcers. Scar tissue may build up and lead to a narrowing of the esophagus, making it difficult to swallow. In severe cases, Barrett's esophagus can develop to damaged cells in the lining and increase the risk of esophageal cancer. Frequent acid reflux, known as gastroesophageal reflux disease, causes esophagitis by inflaming the esophagus. Dietary changes along with medication play major roles in treating esophagitis.
Soft Foods
Doctors usually prescribe acid blocking medication to reduce stomach acid production. Medicine used to gargle helps relieve pain. Avoiding hard foods, such as nuts, crackers and raw vegetables, prevents aggravation of the esophagus until painful symptoms subside. Soft foods, such as cooked cereals, mashed potatoes, puddings and high-protein shakes are recommended.
Avoiding Triggers
Making regular, long-term changes to the diet reduces or eliminates acid reflux over time. Acid reflux may occur because an esophageal muscle weakens and does not close tightly after eating, causing stomach acid backup into the esophagus to bring about heartburn and acid regurgitation. Certain foods trigger acid reflux by relaxing the esophageal muscle or increasing stomach acid secretion during digestion. They may include fried or fatty foods, tomato-based products, citrus fruits, chocolate, garlic, onions, spicy foods and drinks with caffeine or alcohol.
Protein
Continue eating soft foods until the painful symptoms have disappeared. Check with your doctor to start on your diet to reduce acid reflux for the long term. Eating protein foods may help strengthen the muscle in your esophagus to prevent symptoms, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Protein helps repair muscle tissue. Avoid high-fat protein foods by choosing lean meats, fish and skinless poultry. Bake, broil and grill the foods instead of frying. Do not eat tough meats if you still have difficulty swallowing. Include low-fat or nonfat dairy products rather than whole-milk items in your diet for protein.
Fiber Foods
A high-fiber diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains helps prevent acid reflux. However, avoid citrus fruits and tomatoes, which have acidic contents, and fried or creamy vegetables, which can trigger symptoms. Enjoy bananas, peaches, pears, apples and berries. Steam vegetables or eat them raw if you have no trouble swallowing. Whole grain foods aid digestion to avoid stomach acid buildup. Whole grains may absorb excess acid from its gel-like quality during digestion to reduce reflux. Add whole-grain bread, pasta or cereal to your dishes. Oatmeal, oat bran, brown rice, barley and air-popped popcorn provide whole-grain benefits to prevent acid reflux and protect you from esophagitis.
References
- National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse: Heartburn, Gastroesophageal Reflux (GER), and Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
- Cleveland Clinic: Diseases & Conditions -- Esophagitis
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease and Heartburn --- Prevention
- http://www.healthcentral.com/acid-reflux/introduction-000085_9-145.html
