Esophagitis is a serious intestinal disease that has a significant impact on our daily lives. Only by understanding its early symptoms can we effectively prevent the occurrence of this disease and keep our bodies free from its disturbance. So, what are the early symptoms of esophagitis?
1. Burning sensation or pain behind the sternum: This is the main symptom of the disease. According to the distribution of the vagus nerve, it sometimes radiates to the neck, palate, or ear. Commonly, it radiates to the back between both shoulder blades. The burning sensation can be relieved by drinking water, taking antacids, or stimulating saliva secretion and primary esophageal peristalsis by sucking on sugar cubes.
2. Gastroesophageal reflux: After meals, when bending forward, or while lying down at night, there may be an acidic liquid or food refluxing from the stomach and esophagus to the pharynx or mouth. This symptom often appears before the burning sensation or pain behind the sternum.
3. Swallowing pain: Caused by food boluses stimulating the inflamed esophagus or esophageal spasm. Spastic pain has the same distribution and radiation as heartburn. Food boluses in the esophagitis area, partial stricture, or areas with uncoordinated motor function cause acute dilation of the esophagus, leading to third contractions or spasms. Patients may feel that food or liquids are stopping above the esophagus, waiting for the food bolus to move down or be flushed down with water. The dilated esophagus above the stopped food bolus can cause severe pain. Spastic pain can also be caused by reflux.
4. Dysphagia: In the early stage, intermittent dysphagia can occur due to secondary esophageal spasm caused by esophagitis. In later stages, permanent dysphagia may replace the burning sensation and pain due to esophageal scarring and narrowing. Solid foods may cause a feeling of obstruction or pain at the level of the xiphoid process.
5. Regurgitation: Gastric acid or bile refluxing into the posterior wall of the oral cavity indicates gastroesophageal reflux. Gastric contents may be vomited out or swallowed, leaving a sour or bitter taste in the throat and oral cavity, causing halitosis or taste damage. Chronic stimulation of the lips may result in a burning sensation. Regurgitation can occur after eating, exertion, or changes in body position. It is often accompanied by gastrointestinal bloating and belching. Nighttime reflux can cause coughing, aspiration pneumonia, or even suffocation.
6. Bleeding and anemia: Severe esophagitis may lead to esophageal mucosal erosion and bleeding, which is mostly chronic minor bleeding. Long-term or heavy bleeding can lead to iron deficiency anemia.
7. Other symptoms: Reflux material passing through the cricopharyngeal sphincter into the throat can cause laryngeal and tracheal aspiration, leading to inflammatory vocal polyps and making susceptible patients prone to asthma. Diffuse esophagitis or invasive ulcers can cause hematemesis and chronic blood loss. A few penetrating ulcers can cause esophageal perforation.
Relevant reading: Are the symptoms of esophagitis serious?
Through the above knowledge introduction, gastrointestinal experts from Changsha 179 Hospital remind us: The harm of esophagitis should not be underestimated. If the above symptoms appear, it is necessary to go to the hospital for examination and treatment in time to avoid delaying the condition and causing serious harm to the body. For more related consultations, you can click on our experts for exchanges.