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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


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