Got burning, pain when swallowing, or a sour taste that sticks around? Esophagitis, inflammation of the esophagus, can cause all that. It usually comes from acid reflux, certain pills, or infections. The good news: many cases improve with clear, easy changes you can start today.
For quick relief try antacids for mild flare ups, or an H2 blocker for longer control. More effective are proton pump inhibitors like omeprazole or lansoprazole - these cut acid and let the lining heal. Use them as your doctor advises; many people take them for a few weeks to months.
Simple habits lower irritation daily. Eat smaller meals, avoid late-night eating, and sit upright for an hour after meals. Lose weight if you need to, stop smoking, and cut alcohol. Raise the head of your bed 6 to 8 inches to keep acid down while you sleep.
Watch your food triggers. Common culprits include spicy foods, citrus, tomatoes, chocolate, mint, caffeine, greasy or fried meals, and carbonated drinks. Swap to low-acid choices: oatmeal, lean proteins, cooked vegetables, and non-citrus fruits. Drinking water with meals helps dilute acid and eases swallowing.
Pill-induced esophagitis happens fast with certain meds - tetracyclines, bisphosphonates, potassium chloride, and NSAIDs are common offenders. Take pills with a full glass of water and stay upright for 30 minutes. If you feel sudden severe pain after a pill, seek care.
If your immune system is weak, infections like yeast, herpes, or CMV can cause esophagitis. These types need prescription antifungals or antivirals. Don't try home cures for infectious causes - see a clinician for tests and the right medicine.
Emergency care is needed for trouble breathing, severe chest pain, fainting, or vomiting blood. Call your doctor if heartburn or pain with swallowing lasts more than two weeks despite simple measures. Your doctor may order an endoscopy, prescribe stronger meds, or check for complications like ulcers or narrowing.
Long term acid exposure raises the risk of scarring and Barrett's esophagus in some people. Regular follow up and following treatment plans stops most problems. If you have ongoing reflux talk with your provider about testing and a plan you can stick to.
Small habit changes, safe use of acid medicines, and quick action for infections or pill injuries will get most people back to normal. Start with the food swaps and sleeping tweaks above, and contact care if things don't improve.
If you take daily acid medicine, try to take PPIs 30 to 60 minutes before breakfast for best effect. H2 blockers work any time but can lose power if used constantly at high doses; discuss dosing with your doctor. For persistent symptoms, tests like pH monitoring or manometry help find the cause. Simple speech therapy or swallowing exercises can help if swallowing feels weak.
Keep a symptom diary to spot triggers and share it with your doctor for faster fixes. Small steps often make a big difference.
