The esophagus is an important organ for ferrying foods from your mouth to your stomach. Muscular contractions propel food down your esophageal tube, and muscular junctions called sphincters prevent food from reentering your esophagus once it reaches the stomach. Acidic foods and alcohol can contribute to weakening of the esophageal sphincters, leading to irritation or inflammation, but acidic foods and alcohol alone do not necessarily cause the initial onset of the condition.
Types of Esophagus Disorders
Injury to the esophagus can occur from the lower esophageal sphincter opening spontaneously allowing stomach acid to leak up into the esophageal tube. This is referred to as gastroesophageal reflux, or acid reflux, and it can gradually worsen if untreated. A similar condition and complication of reflux called esophagitis may result from stomach acids backing up into the esophagus, leading to inflammation and tissue damage to the tube. Peptic ulcers in your esophagus cause irritation and inflammation from erosive sores forming in the tube. Peptic ulcers are not related to stomach acid leaking into the esophageal tube, but acidic foods can irritate the existing lesions, causing further damage.
Acidity and Esophagus Irritation
Your stomach produces acidic digestive juices to aid in the breakdown of food into smaller particles. The esophageal sphincter protects the esophagus from exposure to these acids except when the sphincter is not working properly. Acidic foods like citrus fruits, chili powder or peppers, tomatoes, caffeine and alcohol can cause your stomach to produce more acids, but they may also cause discomfort when traveling down the esophagus during early digestion. When you experience symptom flares, stick to low-acid foods like grains, rice, oats, pears or apples to reduce symptoms of irritation, heartburn, difficulty swallowing, nausea or regurgitation.
Treatment for Esophageal Problems
Treatment for gastroesophageal reflux, peptic ulcers and esophagitis depends on the precipitating cause but generally includes medications to block acid production. Proton pump inhibitors, antacids, foaming agents or histamine 2 blockers are commonly prescribed. Dietary changes to prevent triggering reflux or additional acid formation may be recommended. In most cases of esophageal irritation, cessation of alcohol is suggested because alcohol promotes an acidic environment in your digestive tract.
Considerations
If you have a condition causing esophageal irritation, your appetite may be affected because of discomfort or difficulty swallowing. Bland foods can help keep you nourished, but they may not provide all the nutrients you need to thrive. Consult your physician for dietary recommendations to prevent malnourishment. Eating smaller meals throughout the day can help minimize discomfort while also providing nutrients. Fatty foods, chocolate, peppermint and nicotine also trigger acid production or irritation and should be avoided.
References
- MayoClinic.com; Esophagitis; Mayo Clinic Staff; September 2009
- FamilyDoctor.org: Ulcers
- National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse: Heartburn, Gastroesophageal Reflux and GERD
- Jackson Siegelbaum Gastroenterology; Esophagitis and Stricture; Frank W. Jackson
- Merck Manual Home Health Handbook: Overview of the Esophagus
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