Esophagitis (or Oesophagitis) is inflammation of the esophagus.

[edit] Causes

• The most common cause is gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). If caused by GERD, the diseases is also called reflux esophagitis.
• Other causes of esophagitis include infections (most commonly candida, herpes simplex and cytomegalovirus). These infections are typically seen in immunocompromised people, such as those with HIV.
• Chemical injury by alkaline or acid solutions may also cause esophagitis, and is usually seen in children or in adults who attempt suicide ^[1]
• Physical injury resulting from radiation therapy or by nasogastric tubes may also be responsible.
• Eosinophilic esophagitis is a little understood form of esophagitis, which is thought to be related to food allergies.

[edit] References

[edit] External links

• Esophageal disorders The Merck Manual entry for Esophageal disorders.
• Medicine.net

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