Definition
"Esophagitis" is defined as an acute or chronic inflammation of the mucous membrane of the esophagus, due essentially to the rise of gastric juices from the stomach. Esophagitis is among gastroesophageal reflux disease.
Causes
Esophagitis is often directly related to hiatal hernia; however, it may also be favored by allergies (eosinophilic esophagitis), intake of acid or corrosive substances (erosive or drug esophagitis), infections (infectious esophagitis, typical of immunosuppressed patients) or radiant-ionizing therapies.
Possible risk factors for oesophagitis: coffee abuse, alcoholism, poor nutrition, chemotherapy, hiatal hernia, familiarity with the disease, pregnancy, immunosuppression.
Symptoms
The main symptoms associated with oesophagitis include: difficulty swallowing, stomach pain, back sternal chest pain, loss of appetite, nausea, regurgitation of saliva and vomiting. The most feared complication associated with esophagitis is Barret's esophagus.
Diet
Information on Esophagitis - Drugs for the Treatment of Esophagitis is not intended to replace the direct relationship between health professional and patient. Always consult your doctor and / or specialist before taking Esophagitis - Esophagitis Treatment Drugs.
drugs
The ideal drug for treating oesophagitis, which must always be prescribed by a doctor, depends on the severity of the problem, the form of esophagitis and the etiology:
Bench antacids against esophagitis
- sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO 3 ) this substance acts quickly neutralizing gastric acids, but has unpleasant side effects (alkalinization of urine, swelling, hypersodemia). The use of sodium bicarbonate must not be a common practice, rather it can be used to temporarily reduce the esophagitis, after consulting a doctor.
- Magnesium hydrate Mg (OH) 2 and aluminum hydrate Al (OH) 3 (eg Maalox plus): they have a longer duration of action and reduced absorption compared to sodium bicarbonate. It is preferable to combine the two active ingredients together, since they have opposite side effects (magnesium hydroxide is a laxative, aluminum hydroxide is responsible for constipation). Take 2-4 tablets per day (500-1500 mg) with plenty of water, 20-60 minutes before meals and before bedtime.
Alginates (eg Gaviscon advance): antacids containing alginates are able to reduce gastroesophageal reflux and, at the same time, protect the mucous membrane of the esophagus; moreover, the combination of antacids and alginates increases the viscosity of the gastric contents thus protecting the mucosa of the esophagus from gastric reflux. The drug in question is an oral suspension of 100 mg of sodium alginate associated with 20 mg of potassium bicarbonate (per milliliter of product); take 5-10 ml of oral suspension after meals and at bedtime.
Antisecretive drugs : being able to reduce gastric acidity, these drugs guarantee the esophagus sufficient time to heal:
- Histamine H2 receptor antagonists (antisecretives): for example, Nizatidine (eg Nizax, Cronizat, Zanizal, 150 mg tablets) is an active ingredient widely used for the treatment of esophagitis: take one tablet twice a day for the treatment of erosive esophagitis and for the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease in general.
Another drug widely used in the treatment of oesophagitis is Cimetidine (eg Ulis, Biomag, Tagamet): it is recommended to take one tablet of 800 mg orally once a day, or two 400 mg tablets four times a day. It is also possible to administer the drug parenterally: 300 mg IV or IM every 6 hours. The duration of treatment must be established by the doctor.
- Proton pump inhibitors : proton pump inhibitors (possibly associated with prokinetics): they are generally prescribed when the patient does not respond positively to treatment with an H2 receptor inhibitor. In this category, Esomeprazole (eg Ariliar, Lucen, Nexium) is one of the drugs used preferentially for the treatment of esophagitis. Take 20-40 mg of drug per os (or intravenously) once a day for a period varying from 4 to 8 weeks.
Stimulating intestinal motility : these drugs are useful as adjuvants in esophagitis: by accelerating gastric emptying, the drug improves the functionality of the gastroesophageal sphincter.
- Metoclopramide (eg Plasil, Isaprandil): take 10-15 mg of active ingredient not more than 4 times a day, 30 minutes before meals and to lie down. Do not prolong therapy beyond 12 weeks.
- Domperidone (eg. Motilium, Peridon): take one tablet (10 mg) 3-4 times a day before meals, for no more than 4 weeks.
Taking oral or inhaled steroids to alleviate the inflammation linked to the allergic reaction (eosinophilic esophagitis): in this case, the doctor must identify the allergen responsible for the esophagitis and prescribe the most suitable treatment for the patient.
Antibiotics: in the case of infective esophagitis, it is advisable to administer active antibiotics to the pathogen that caused the damage. In such situations, the doctor will prescribe the most suitable drug and the method of use, after identifying the bacteria responsible for the esophagitis and having tested its sensitivity to antibiotics.
The best cure for esophagitis is prevention:
- avoid taking allergenic foods, responsible for eosinophilic esophagitis
- avoid smoking and alcohol
- decrease your intake of foods with caffeine
- improve eating habits
- stop taking a drug you are sensitive to (responsible for iatrogenic oesophagitis)
- reduce the size of the meal and, above all, limit the lipids, especially if cooked or rancid
- eat slowly
- follow a low-calorie diet (when necessary)
These measures are useful for the prophylaxis of esophagitis, as well as preventing their relapse.
