Esophagitis (cont.)
How Is Esophagitis Treated?
Treatment for esophagitis depends on its cause. Possible treatments include:
- Medications that block acid production, like heartburn drugs
- Antibiotics, antifungals or antivirals to treat an infection
- Pain medications that can be gargled or swallowed
- Corticosteroid medication to reduce inflammation
- Intravenous (by vein) nutrition to allow the esophagus to heal, to reduce the likelihood of malnourishment or dehydration
- Endoscopy to remove any lodged pill fragments
- Surgery to remove the damaged part of the esophagus
While being treated for esophagitis, there are certain steps you can take to help limit discomfort.
- Avoid spicy foods such as those with pepper, chili powder, curry and nutmeg.
- Avoid hard foods such as nuts, crackers and raw vegetables.
- Avoid acidic foods and beverages such as tomatoes, oranges, grapefruits and
their juices. Instead, try imitation fruit drinks with vitamin C.
- Add more soft foods such as applesauce, cooked cereals, mashed potatoes, custards, puddings and high protein shakes to your diet.
- Take small bites and chew food thoroughly.
- If swallowing becomes increasingly difficult, try tilting your head upward so the food flows to the back of the throat before swallowing.
- Drink liquids through a straw to make swallowing easier.
- Avoid alcohol and tobacco.
Reviewed by the doctors at The Cleveland Clinic Taussig Cancer Center.
Edited by Cynthia Haines, MD, WebMD,
March 2006.
Portions of this page copyright © The Cleveland Clinic 2000-2004
Last Editorial Review: 1/31/2005 8:21:58 AM
- Proton-Pump Inhibitors - Read about proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) prescribed for GERD, peptic ulcers, and h pylori. Examples of PPIs include Prilosec, Prevacid, Aciphex, Protonix, Nexium, and Zegarid.
- Endoscopy (Esophagogastroduodenoscopy, EGD) - Learn about the endoscopy procedure which examines the esophagus, stomach and duodenum to detect gastrointestinal and digestive disorders on MedicineNet.com
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