Catarrhal form of esophagitis - can it be cured? What is catarrhal reflux esophagitis? Causes and treatment of pathology Gerb catarrhal esophagitis

When measures are not taken in time in case of insufficiency of the cardia of the stomach, which is responsible for preventing the reverse reflux of processed food products into the esophagus, distal esophagitis occurs.

The pathological process can be manifested by severe retrosternal pain, swallowing disorders, heartburn, intense salivation.

The consequences are peptic ulcer, narrowing of the esophagus, metaplasia with malignancy. Diagnosis is carried out during esophagoscopy, biopsy, radiography.

Therapy involves diet therapy, the use of medications, physiotherapy, surgery.

Description

Distal erosive reflux esophagitis is formed with constant irritation of the esophagus. Over time, the tissues of the organ that are near the stomach become inflamed, swelling and hyperemia of the mucosa is formed.

A characteristic feature of the pathological process will be the duration of the course, at which time the initial stage is rarely manifested by symptoms. As a result, a chronic form of distal esophagitis appears, which is difficult to treat and can often recur.

Often cause distal reflux esophagitis pathologies of the digestive tract, which are accompanied by an increase in acidity in the stomach (gastritis).

Types, degrees

Distal erosive esophagitis is characterized by morphological damage of the esophageal mucosa of varying severity.

In accordance with this criterion, the following types of pathology are distinguished:

Spicy. Often found distal catarrhal esophagitis with acute or erosive. Mechanical trauma, the influence of irritants, etc. can cause the occurrence of such a pathology. Given the variety, the esophageal wall can become inflamed or ulcers of various sizes and hemorrhages form on it.
Chronic. The question is often asked how to treat chronic distal esophagitis, what is it. The disease can occur periodically with exacerbation and subsidence of symptoms. The most identifiable type of this form of pathology is peptic. The disease is formed due to the fact that acidic contents are thrown into the esophagus from the stomach. The peptic form of distal esophagitis mainly progresses as a result of the presence of a hernia in the diaphragmatic opening of the esophagus.
Superficial distal esophagitis. In such a situation, only the upper part of the mucosa is affected by inflammation. Not associated with severe symptoms.
Mechanical.
Peptic. It is called distal reflux esophagitis.
Erosive. It is characteristic for him that, in combination with inflammation, ulcers of various sizes form on the surface of the esophageal mucosa. For this form of the disease, striking clinical signs are characteristic.

Rare varieties of pathology include dysmetabolic and granulomatous esophagitis. Often, the disease in question is formed against the background of insufficiency of the cardia and occurs under the influence of the acidic contents of the stomach.

According to the complexity of morphological changes, the disease can develop with such degrees of severity:

First. Mild foci of redness of the mucosa. The structure of the mucosa at the point of transition to the stomach is loose.
Second. Solitary or multiple erosive elongated lesions with probable exudate formation. Wounds occur mainly in the folds of the mucosa and damage no more than 10% of the distal section.
Third. United multiple erosions that are covered with exudate and dead tissue. More than 50% are affected.
Fourth. United erosions are formed in a circle, there is excessive exudative-necrotic damage.

The narrowed esophagus leads to impaired passage of food products into the stomach. If left untreated, ulcers can develop into perforations in the esophageal walls, which can be fatal.

A dangerous complication of the disease is cancer, which is associated with the degeneration of the cells of the esophageal mucosa into the epithelium.

The reasons

To provoke the formation of pathology can:

Repetitive reflux of contents from the stomach into the esophagus.
Viral damage: candidal, herpetic genesis, bacterial infection.
Chemical damage (alkalis, acids, solvents). An erosive form of the disease appears.

However, the most common provoking factor in the onset of the disease will be a loose closure of the esophagus and stomach.

The process will be chronic and may be aggravated by:

Diaphragmatic hernia. It is provoked by a sudden pressure drop inside the abdominal cavity, as a result of which a portion of the cardiac region of the stomach enters the chest cavity. At this time, the compressed masses penetrate the esophagus.
Obesity. If the patient, after eating or overeating, suddenly bends, which provokes an increase in pressure in the organs, which comes out through the expansion of the sphincter.
Excessive consumption of foods or medications that provoke muscle relaxation in the esophagus.
Increased tone of the 2nd sphincter in the area of the pylorus. Due to spasm, acidic contents are poured out in the direction of least resistance, causing the disease in question.

Symptoms

Clinical manifestations of the pathological process are as follows:

Heartburn in the chest. Burning may worsen after eating or overeating, during exercise, in a horizontal position.
Belching with a sour or bitter taste in the mouth.
Increased salivation, especially at night.
Pain in the retrosternal area, such sensations are noted during angina pectoris.
Crackles in the voice.
Early satiety after drinking a small amount of liquid.
Cough without expectoration.
Pain inside the larynx during swallowing.
Hiccup.
Offensive odor from the mouth.

Some symptoms may decrease or stop after the use of antacids.

With erosive, necrotic or exfoliative forms of the pathological process, in particular, coughing, gag reflex with dead tissue parts will be intensively manifested.

Diagnostics

The examination of this pathology is based on the analysis of symptoms and on the basis of data from a complete diagnosis of the digestive organs, which includes the following methods:

Radiography. To detect the provoking factor of the disease and to establish the cyclicity of casting during the introduction of CV, this examination is carried out.
Mucosal endoscopy. In order to determine the severity of the disease.
pH-metry in the esophagus. To calculate the acidity of the medium in the lumen of the esophagus.
Clearance setting. It is carried out in order to calculate the protection of the mucus that is produced in the esophageal wall. The technique makes it possible to establish the probability of moving the pH of the medium of the gap in the required direction without causing harm.
Radionuclide scanning. Helps clarify the diagnosis.

Treatment

Many people wonder how to treat distal catarrhal reflux esophagitis, what is it. Pathology, if you follow all medical prescriptions, is effectively eliminated.

Therapy of the disease is prescribed taking into account the complexity of the course of the disease. The patient is prescribed an individual diet, exclude causes that can irritate the mucosa of the esophagus.

It should be noted that in order to achieve a result in therapy, the patient must adhere to a balanced diet and a special regimen.

During therapy, patients are prescribed medications that reduce bile secretion.

Therapy with medicines (almagel) lasts no more than 15 days, then you need to take a 7-day break. After a short break, therapy will be continued.

Diet

A corrected diet is the main element of effective therapy for any pathological process in the digestive organs, in particular, such as catarrhal reflux esophagitis against the background of cardia insufficiency or fibrinous esophagitis.

Main requirements:

Every day before a meal for 30 minutes you need to drink 1 tbsp. cool water. This technique will make it possible to reduce the amount of acid and help protect the esophagus.
Dietary nutrition during the considered pathological process involves taking small portions of raw potato tubers or 0.5 cups of freshly squeezed potato juice to reduce the production of pancreatic juice.
The consumption of alcohol in this disease is completely prohibited.
It is not recommended to eat before bed.
After eating, it is forbidden to immediately take a horizontal position, it is extremely important to sit for a certain time, contributing to the processing of food products. In addition, it contributes to the speedy passage of pancreatic juice through the digestive organs.
At night it is recommended to drink chamomile tea.
In addition, while following a diet for the disease in question, it is not recommended to wear tight-fitting narrow clothes and tight belts. This causes the penetration of stomach acid into the esophagus, exacerbating inflammation.
In the morning, with such a pathology, it is extremely useful to take oatmeal for breakfast.
The most useful drinks for the patient will be rosehip broth and warm milk.
It is recommended to consume non-acid fruits.
It is permissible to use fermented milk products (kefir, yogurt and fermented baked milk).

A catarrhal or distal variety of the disease is effectively treated when a doctor's consultation is received in a timely manner and his prescriptions are followed.

Medical treatment

For drug therapy of the catarrhal form of the disease or other varieties of GERD, it is necessary to use drugs in combination with the main factors that provoked the pathological process:

in case of bacterial infection, antibacterial agents are prescribed;
in case of virus infection - antiviral drugs;
with low acidity - antacid medicines;
in order to normalize the production of acids in the digestive organs - histamine blockers and proton pump inhibitors;
with intense discomfort - antispasmodic medications.

Folk remedies

Tinctures from medicinal plants will help to eliminate heartburn with the pathology under consideration.

Components of plant origin are characterized by antacid, anti-inflammatory action, they can be used in various combinations.

flaxseed is a good antacid;
chamomile has an anti-inflammatory effect;
lemon balm helps soothe inflamed tissues;
wild rose accelerate the recovery processes in the epithelium.

A disease that is complicated by recurrent bleeding or perforations in the esophagus is eliminated through surgery.

Prevention

In order to prevent the adverse effects of the pathological process and surgical intervention, the patient is able to carry out such simple preventive measures. Extremely important:

prevent the intake of spicy products (in particular, spices are dangerous);
eliminate hard foods, including nuts, crackers and crackers;
exclude acidic products and drinks from the menu (citruses are prohibited);
refusal of alcoholic beverages and smoking;
take liquid and semi-liquid food in large volumes (the basis of the menu is mashed fruits and vegetables, puddings, cereals);
products that cannot be pureed must be cut into small pieces and chewed properly.

Distal esophagitis has a large number of variations, which in severe cases can provoke dangerous consequences and death.

If unpleasant symptoms occur, it is necessary to consult a specialist in a timely manner in order to eliminate the provoking factor of the inflammatory process and prevent the occurrence of adverse consequences.

Useful video

Violation of the diet, frequent stress, weakened immunity - all these factors contribute to the occurrence of diseases of the upper gastrointestinal tract. According to medical statistics, more than half of the older population have some kind of digestive problems. Quite often, distal catarrhal esophagitis is diagnosed, the clinical manifestations of which, as a rule, are mild. The treatment of this condition is conservative, and includes a number of measures: nutrition correction, medication, the use of alternative methods of treatment.

Man at the appointment with a gastroenterologist

How and why does catarrhal esophagitis occur?

Its main cause is such a pathology as gastroesophageal reflux, which occurs against the background of other diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. In this case, catarrhal esophagitis often has a chronic form. Throwing contents from the stomach leads to irritation and inflammatory changes in the mucosa of the lower third of the esophagus. Morphologically, distal catarrhal reflux esophagitis is expressed in hyperemia, leukocyte infiltration and the appearance of moderate tissue edema. A similar mechanism for the development of catarrhal esophagitis is also observed in hernias of the esophageal opening of the diaphragm.

Other less common causes of esophagitis include:

malnutrition, taking too hot or spicy foods;
alcohol abuse, especially its surrogates;
iatrogenic causes, such as endoscopic trauma;
persistent vomiting against the background of another pathology;
viral infectious diseases;
immunodeficiency states (taking immunosuppressive drugs, AIDS, exposure to high doses of radiation).

Symptoms

Symptoms of catarrhal distal esophagitis are usually mild, for this reason, most patients do not seek medical help for a long time, but prefer to fight the disease on their own or with the help of folk remedies. In this case, the disease becomes chronic, with periodic exacerbations and increased symptoms.

With catarrhal esophagitis, the patient may be disturbed by pain behind the sternum

The main symptom of catarrhal esophagitis is discomfort behind the sternum, which the patient characterizes as a burning sensation, a sensation of a lump, “something hot”. After taking spicy or too hard food, these symptoms intensify, the pain becomes acute, stabbing, while radiating (spreading) to the front surface of the neck, to the interscapular region.

If catarrhal reflux esophagitis develops against the background of another pathology of the gastrointestinal tract, then other symptoms join: belching with acidic stomach contents or air, nausea after eating, increased saliva production.

In the acute form of the disease, there are acute pains in the retrosternal region, up to the impossibility of eating. The duration of this state is from several days to a week. With adequate treatment, the symptoms regress, but may also become chronic.

The presence of any symptoms indicating damage to the esophagus requires a mandatory consultation with a doctor. Timely detection of pathology will allow to eliminate symptoms as soon as possible, avoid complications and the transition of the disease to a chronic form.

Diagnostics

For most patients, the diagnosis is not difficult. A detailed history of the disease and characteristic complaints make it possible to identify catarrhal esophagitis already during the initial examination. Additional methods are used to clarify the root cause of the pathology, exclude lesions of the underlying sections of the gastrointestinal tract or identify oncopathology:

esophagoscopy is the most informative method for catarrhal esophagitis, however, during an exacerbation it is contraindicated due to the high probability of mucosal trauma;

Endoscopy of the esophagus

pH-metry allows you to determine the presence of reflux of acidic stomach contents into the terminal esophagus, with what frequency and in what volume this occurs;
esophageal manometry helps to assess the state of peristalsis of the esophagus;
x-ray of the esophagus with contrast is not very informative, it helps to identify only indirect signs of catarrhal inflammation (swelling of the mucosal folds, fuzzy contours).

Endoscopic techniques are most indicated for chronic forms of catarrhal esophagitis, in this case it is additionally possible to conduct a biopsy of the tissues of the esophageal mucosa, and, thus, to identify asymptomatic forms of precancerous and tumor diseases (Barrett's esophagus, adenocarcinoma, and others).

Treatment

Treatment of catarrhal esophagitis is usually conservative. A rare exception is the forms of the disease provoked by another, more serious pathology (hernia, neoplasm), when surgical intervention is necessary.

Therapeutic activities include:

diet therapy;
correction of lifestyle, sleep conditions;
the appointment of medications that reduce the acidity of gastric contents;
drugs that have protective properties in relation to the mucosa of the esophagus;
agents that improve the motor characteristics of the esophagus;
if necessary, antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral drugs.

diet therapy

You need to start treatment with a properly selected diet.

In the treatment of catarrhal esophagitis, an important role is played by the correction of nutrition. In the acute phase of the disease, diet No. 1 according to Pevzner is prescribed. It provides for mechanical, chemical, thermal sparing of the mucosa of the gastrointestinal tract. In addition, in order to avoid gastroesophageal reflux, the foods consumed should not cause excessive secretion of gastric juice.

Frequent meals are recommended up to 6-7 times a day, in small portions. Culinary processing - dishes are prepared in liquid, pureed or crushed form, boiled or steamed. Fried, too salty or sour foods, pickled foods, coarse fiber, crackers, and so on are prohibited.

Puree soups cooked on vegetable or cereal broth, liquid cereals (semolina, or cereals for baby food) are allowed. Meat is served in the form of steam soufflé or boiled quenelles, boiled and mashed vegetables, steam scrambled eggs, dairy products, jelly or jelly from desserts. Food should be warm, but not cold or hot.

Lifestyle Correction

In order to avoid the back reflux of acidic gastric contents, after eating, you can not take a horizontal position for at least an hour. At night, it is recommended to sleep with a raised head end, for this the legs of the bed are raised by 6-8 cm. Sports with frequent torso forward bends, somersaults, and sharp weight lifting are contraindicated.

Medical therapy

Enveloping and protecting the mucous membrane of the esophagus, antacids have an effect: Almagel, Rennie, Maalox and others. For severe pain, anesthetic agents are recommended, for example, Almagel A, which contains anesthesin.

To reduce the acidity of gastric contents, proton pump inhibitors (omeprazole, lansoprazole) or H2-histamine blockers (ranitidine, roxatidine) are prescribed. Additionally, drugs that improve the motor functions of the gastrointestinal tract are used: motoricum, metoclopramide.

To improve reparative processes in the esophageal mucosa, Solcoseryl, Actovegin are indicated. Immunomodulators and multivitamin complexes also contribute to tissue repair.

It should be remembered that taking medications takes place only under the supervision of a general practitioner or gastroenterologist. Self-medication can lead to a chronic process and the occurrence of complications of the disease.

Folk remedies

Effective use of the following collection: flax seeds, lemon balm, chamomile, St. John's wort. Take an equal amount of each herb and mix thoroughly. Two tablespoons of phytomixture pour 500 ml of water and keep in a water bath for 20-25 minutes. Let it brew for 2-3 hours and take half a glass before meals.

Another fairly simple remedy is an infusion of dill seeds. To prepare it, two dessert spoons of dill are poured with a glass of boiling water and insisted for two to three hours. Take a dessert spoon before each meal. Sea buckthorn oil also helps with esophagitis, which is taken in a dessert spoon in between meals.

Sea buckthorn oil can improve the condition of the esophageal mucosa

Forecast

Catarrhal esophagitis has a favorable course, with a diet and properly selected therapy, recovery occurs. The lack of treatment and non-compliance with the diet lead to the progression of the pathology with the transition to an erosive form, the development of complications in the form of stenosis and dysfunction of the organ.

Catarrhal esophagitis is a disease of the gastrointestinal tract, which is an inflammation of the mucous membrane of the esophagus. Most often, this disease occurs as a result of exposure to mechanical or chemical agents, infections, and the development of certain somatic pathologies.

Catarrhal esophagitis of the esophagus is the most common pathology of this organ of the digestive system. Morphologically, it is characterized by hyperemia, swelling and leukocyte infiltration of the mucous membrane of this organ of the digestive system.

What does superficial catarrhal esophagitis mean?

Catarrhal esophagitis disease with timely and adequate treatment, as well as adherence to a therapeutic diet and the implementation of all recommendations of specialists, has a favorable outcome. Many people do not know what catarrhal esophagitis means, what causes it, and how it manifests itself.

Catarrhal esophagitis is characterized by inflammation of the upper layers of the mucous membrane of the esophagus, submucosal and muscle tissues are not involved in the pathological process. This disease is also known as catarrhal superficial esophagitis, since during its development the surface layers of the mucous membranes of the digestive organs are damaged.

As a result of the action of adverse factors that irritate the already inflamed mucosa of the esophagus, epithelial cells are damaged in catarrhal esophagitis.

More often, the pathological process is diagnosed in men, which is explained by their tendency to drink alcohol and smoke. It is these factors that are the main irritants of the mucous membranes of the digestive organs.

Catarrhal reflux esophagitis: what is it, what are the symptoms and how to treat

Not everyone knows what it is - catarrhal reflux esophagitis - and how it differs from ordinary esophagitis. It is one of the varieties of this pathological process. Its development occurs as a result of the regular reflux of gastric or intestinal contents back into the esophagus. In a healthy person, in the absence of disorders and abnormalities in the functioning of the digestive system, the esophagus has an alkaline environment, and the contents of the stomach have an acidic environment, which has a detrimental effect on the upper gastrointestinal tract.

The patient is concerned about such symptoms with catarrhal reflux esophagitis:

indigestion;
chest pain;
heartburn.

As a result of regular spontaneous reflux of the contents of the stomach or intestines into the esophagus, its lower section is inevitably damaged. This process is accompanied by characteristic symptoms in the form of pain and heartburn. Another symptom that allows you to recognize the development of a digestive disorder is sour belching, bouts of nausea and vomiting. The characteristic symptoms of the disease make it possible to understand what catarrhal esophagitis is and how to treat it at different stages of development.

Forms of catarrhal esophagitis of the lower third of the esophagus

Most often, during the study of the digestive system, patients have catarrhal esophagitis of the lower third of the esophagus, it can be distal or terminal.

Catarrhal esophagitis occurs in two main forms:

acute, when the inflammatory process occurs with a sharp adverse effect, often this occurs when the mucous membrane is infected or injured;
chronic, when the mucous membrane has a constant influence of a pathological factor - the regular use of cold, hot, spicy, sour, salty, spicy, coarse food.

Catarrhal reflux esophagitis I, II, III and IV degree

This disease of the digestive system can have several degrees of severity with characteristic changes and its symptoms:

First degree. Catarrhal esophagitis of the 1st degree is characterized by the appearance of small localized foci of inflammation on the mucous membrane of the esophagus or stomach. There may be several or one with a diameter of up to 5 mm. At the 1st degree of catarrhal reflux esophagitis, the fusion of foci is not observed. Often at this stage of development, the pathology is asymptomatic.
Second degree. Several defective zones larger than 5 mm in diameter are noted. Over time, the course of the disease, the foci gradually merge, but at the same time they do not yet affect the entire mucosa. The first symptoms of catarrhal esophagitis of the 2nd degree are heartburn and burning pain behind the sternum.
Third degree. At this stage of the course of the inflammatory pathological process, damage to ¾ of the entire mucous membrane of the organ is noted. Symptoms of inflammation become more pronounced, and occur regardless of food intake.
Fourth stage. More than 75% of the mucosal surface is affected. At this stage of the course of the disease, such complications of the pathology as chronic ulcers or cicatricial strictures of the esophageal lumen often occur.

Causes of catarrhal-fibrous and other types of esophagitis

This type of pathological process of the digestive system can have various causes. Based on this, given the origin of the disease, the following types of it are distinguished:

Alimentary. This form of pathology occurs as a result of the abuse of alcohol, strong tea or coffee, spicy or sour foods, smoked meats, marinades, pickles, too hot and cold dishes and drinks, heavy and coarse foods.
stagnant. It usually develops against the background of the action on the mucous membrane of the esophagus of food debris.
Professional. This form of the disease is caused by the penetration into the organs of the digestive system of various aggressive substances with which a person comes into contact in production conditions. These irritants include acid vapors, iodine, caustic alkalis, salts of heavy metals.
Allergic. This type of inflammatory process can be caused by changes in the reactivity of the body. Often occurs in children against the background of bronchial asthma or food allergies.
fibrinous. Catarrhal-fibrinous esophagitis is accompanied by the formation of a fibrous film. Usually such a pathology develops against the background of the course of scarlet fever and diphtheria.
Alcoholic. With prolonged use of alcohol, burns occur on the mucous membrane, which also lead to such a violation as esophagitis. In this case, alcoholic catarrhal esophagitis is diagnosed.

In addition, catarrhal esophagitis of the stomach and esophagus can be caused by such reasons:

increased pressure inside the abdominal cavity, which occurs when large tumors form in the peritoneum, as well as during pregnancy;
surgical interventions aimed at removing part of the stomach or sewing in an ulcer;
long-term use of drugs that significantly weaken the protective properties of the digestive system;
constant strong psycho-emotional experiences and stressful situations;
bacterial and viral infections.

Causes of catarrhal reflux esophagitis

Experts call the following causes of catarrhal reflux esophagitis:

increased intra-abdominal pressure as a result of wearing tight clothing, sharp torso forward immediately after eating, pregnancy and overweight;
weakening of the lower esophageal sphincter;
malnutrition;
some diseases of the digestive system;
scleroderma;
esophagogastrostomy, castrectomy.

Signs of catarrhal esophagitis in acute and moderate form

Acute esophagitis is characterized by a pronounced course. There are such signs of catarrhal esophagitis in the acute form of its course:

discomfort when swallowing food;
burning pain in the esophagus, increasing as food moves in it;
pain in the neck;
heartburn with sour unpleasant belching;
white coating on the surface of the tongue;
profuse salivation;
fever, chills, malaise.

The acute form of the disease can be complicated by abscesses, esophageal perforation, purulent mediastinitis, esophageal stricture, focal dysplasia.

In gastroenterology, specialists use a term such as "moderate catarrhal esophagitis" to refer to the form of this inflammatory process, which is relatively considered the norm and does not belong to the number of pathologies. As a rule, with such an inflammatory process, sparing nutrition is prescribed for 2-3 days, after which, in most cases, impaired digestive functions are restored without taking medications.

Signs of chronic catarrhal esophagitis

Chronic catarrhal esophagitis in most cases occurs against the background of an advanced acute form of this disease. However, in the presence of other pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract, chronic catarrhal esophagitis may appear as an independent disease without an acute form preceding it.

The disease is manifested by the following symptoms:

soreness, discomfort and burning sensation behind the sternum, aggravated during meals;
pain and heartburn during physical exertion, regardless of the meal;
attacks of pain in the supine position, which radiate to the back, heart, neck;
belching, hiccups;
nausea, which often ends in vomiting;
profuse salivation;
respiratory dysfunction.

Alimentary chronic esophagitis occurs with the systematic use of food that irritates the mucous membrane of the digestive organs - hot, cold, spicy, salty, sour.

When examining the mucous membrane during the examination, it is loose, edematous, hyperemic, covered with mucus, has dilated veins, hemorrhagic rashes are observed.

Terminal and distal catarrhal esophagitis

There are two types of reflux esophagitis - distal and terminal. Terminal catarrhal esophagitis is mainly diagnosed in newborns who suffered asphyxia during childbirth. This form of the disease of the digestive tract is caused by a lack of oxygen supplied to the organs and tissues. The surface of the mucous membrane of the children's esophagus is covered with small erosive bleeding points.

With the progression of the pathological process, the following changes are observed:

the child refuses to eat;
regurgitates swallowed food;
there is a decrease in weight;
frequent hiccups;
poor and restless sleep due to pain and discomfort in the abdomen.

This form of reflux esophagitis can also develop in adults. The symptoms of the disease are similar for them - heartburn, belching, nausea, vomiting, pain and burning in the sternum. Nausea and vomiting are greatly aggravated in the supine position and during forward bending of the torso.

Distal catarrhal reflux esophagitis is characterized by damage to only one end of the esophagus, the inflammatory process is observed in that part that adjoins the stomach. Manifestations of the pathological process are especially enhanced when the patient assumes a horizontal position. Distal catarrhal esophagitis, as a rule, has an erased symptomatology, which often makes it difficult to diagnose and leads to neglect of the disease. In most cases, they learn about the development of pathology only after endoscopy and X-ray examination. The reason for visiting the specialist's office are complaints of weakness, frequent belching, nausea, dizziness, choking cough, hoarseness, pain and burning in the peritoneum.

Treatment of distal catarrhal esophagitis

Treatment of distal catarrhal esophagitis at the initial stage of the development of the disease is often limited to diet. By adjusting the diet, it is usually possible to eliminate the unpleasant symptoms of distal esophagitis. Infants who have been diagnosed with such a pathology need special care. Babies with such a dysfunction of the digestive system immediately after feeding must be kept upright for at least three minutes. To reduce the manifestation of unpleasant symptoms, it is strictly forbidden to feed lying down. During the treatment period, it is important to reduce the harmful effects of the contents on the esophagus that enter during gastric reflux.

With the regularity of symptoms, one diet will not be enough to restore the functions of the gastrointestinal tract. For a complete recovery, the doctor may prescribe such drugs:

Antispasmodics - No-shpa, Papaverine

Antacids - Rennie, Almagel, Maalox

Medicines that envelop the gastric mucosa - Solcoseryl, Alginate

Drugs that normalize the level of hydrochloric acid in the stomach - Omeprozol, Famotidine, Pantoprazole

The treatment regimen for each patient is selected by a specialist on an individual basis, taking into account the stage and severity of the course, concomitant diseases, age and causes of the development of the pathology. In addition to drug treatment, the simultaneous use of electrophoresis, the introduction of novocaine into the epigastric part of the stomach, laser therapy and electrical stimulation of the inner part of the esophagus are recommended.

If conservative treatment does not bring positive results, surgical intervention becomes inevitable. Surgery for reflux esophagitis is indicated in such situations:

tumor development in the esophagus;
bleeding and other complications of esophagitis;
aspiration chronic pneumonia.

Catarrhal-erosive reflux esophagitis: symptoms and how to treat

Catarrhal erosive esophagitis is considered by experts in the field of gastroenterology as one of the stages of gastroesophageal reflux disease. The gastric contents consist of substances such as food clods, hydrochloric acid, mucus, digestive enzymes, and sometimes pancreatic juice and bile acid. The reflux of this gastric contents into the esophagus is called catarrhal reflux esophagitis.

Such a process can occur in an absolutely healthy person, but only with a frequency of no more than twice a day. If the problem is observed much more often, you should visit a specialist's office in order to examine and restore the impaired functions of the digestive system. Reflux lasts about 5 minutes, more often occurs during the daytime, which is caused by eating. Often a person does not even feel the reflux of gastric contents into the esophagus, as a result of which the disease becomes chronic.

If a patient was diagnosed with catarrhal reflux esophagitis during the diagnosis, its symptoms will differ depending on the form of the disease. There are non-erosive and erosive forms of the pathological process. In the case of the development of non-erosive reflux esophagitis, during an endoscopic examination, a specialist will detect signs of inflammation such as swelling and redness of the walls of the esophagus. With erosive esophagitis, in addition to redness and swelling, erosions of various lengths will also be noticed.

Symptoms of the disease depend on the degree of damage to the organ. Pathology can proceed in a latent form, which is dangerous for the patient, since in such cases esophagitis takes on a neglected form. However, most often the disease makes itself felt with pronounced symptoms, which gives a person uncomfortable and painful sensations. All clinical manifestations of erosive reflux esophagitis are conditionally divided into esophageal and extraesophageal. Usually, signs make themselves felt after overeating, drinking alcohol, dietary errors, stress and physical activity.

Esophageal symptoms are:

heartburn - occurs in 75% of cases of the course of the disease;
intense salivation;
nausea, dizziness, vomiting attacks;
bitter and sour belching;
an unpleasant taste in the mouth in the morning, usually bitter or sour;
problems with swallowing food, resulting from the fact that the esophagus is reduced.

With the development of erosive gastroesophageal disease, the patient experiences burning pain in the epigastric region. Often a person confuses the pain of esophagitis with a heart attack, heart pain and angina pectoris. Soon the pain spreads to the neck, chest and the area between the shoulder blades. All of these symptoms are classic. They can appear in combination or separately.

Extraesophageal signs of reflux esophagitis are also distinguished, which do not indicate the development of this disease, and often a person does not even suspect the existence of problems with the digestive system. These signs include hoarseness of the voice, a sensation of a lump in the throat, which persists for a long time, the formation of ulcers and granulomas on the vocal cords. The patient coughs for a long time with the release of sputum and mucus, sometimes asthma attacks may occur, in some cases inflammation of the gums occurs, damage to tooth enamel is much less common. Sometimes patients complain of feeling a slight pain in the lower part of the oral cavity, a slight disturbance of the heart rhythm may occur. Usually, close people notice the patient has bad breath. Erosive reflux esophagitis is often accompanied by vomiting with blood impurities.

Treatment of erosive reflux esophagitis should be started as early as possible. First of all, gastroenterologists recommend that all patients make lifestyle changes, review their diet, and proper nutrition plays an important role in therapy. In most cases, the restoration of the functions of the digestive system is impossible without the use of special medications. In extremely difficult situations, when the disease was neglected or complicated by other pathologies, an operation becomes inevitable. Mostly, the treatment of the erosive form of gastroesophageal disease is carried out on an outpatient basis under the strict supervision of the attending physician. In severe cases, hospitalization of the patient in a medical facility is required.

Mandatory is drug therapy, which implies the use of two directions. In the first direction, rather powerful effective drugs are first prescribed, but over time, the intensity of treatment with medications decreases. The second strategy, on the contrary, is an increase in the pharmacological effect.

In the presence of erosions on the mucous membrane of the esophagus, drugs with antisecretory action are prescribed. Such medicines reduce the intensity of the secretion process in the stomach. As a result of taking such drugs, acidity decreases and the irritating effect of gastric contents on the mucous membrane is eliminated. These drugs include proton pump inhibitors. It also requires the intake of H-2 blockers and M-anticholinergics. The duration of therapy with these drugs is determined by a specialist for each patient individually, but it lasts at least a month.

How to treat catarrhal reflux esophagitis of an erosive form? Therapy for erosive reflux esophagitis also consists in taking prokinetics. Medications such as domperidone, metoclopramide can be prescribed, they improve motor skills. To neutralize the action of hydrochloric acid, alginates and antacids are prescribed.

Distal catarrhal reflux esophagitis in cardia insufficiency

Insufficiency of the cardia of the stomach is a violation of the input sphincter. With the development of such a pathological process, reflux occurs, which is considered by gastroenterologists as a complication of cardia insufficiency.

In a healthy state of the stomach, the cardia passes food into the gastric cavity with minimal pressure. In order for food to pass in the right direction, the pressure should not exceed 3.5 mm Hg. When reflux esophagitis occurs, the pressure rises 20 times. Such a high level is formed as a result of fermentation and overeating.

Insufficiency of the cardia in catarrhal esophagitis occurs in the presence of such factors:

systematic overeating;
being overweight;
chronic form of gastritis;
sedentary lifestyle;
eating before bed.

Catarrhal reflux esophagitis with cardia insufficiency has the following manifestations:

burning pain in the esophagus;
constant heartburn;
belching with the smell of stomach contents;
frequent vomiting.

Catarrhal reflux esophagitis against the background of insufficiency of the cardia can be treated with a balanced diet. In this case, it implies compliance with the diet and small portions. While eating, do not rush, and after a meal it is not recommended to take a lying position for an hour, it is better to sit or walk. With such a diagnosis, liquid cereals and low-fat soups should be included in the diet.

Therapy for distal catarrhal reflux esophagitis with cardia insufficiency is based on the following principles:

first of all, measures are taken to cure the underlying disease that caused the development of cardia insufficiency;
if you are overweight, you should get rid of it;
with ascites, it is important to reduce intra-abdominal pressure;
strict adherence to a diet prescribed by a specialist.

Diagnosis "Catarrhal reflux esophagitis of focal form"

Focal catarrhal reflux esophagitis is a type of disease in which the mucous membrane of the esophagus is irritated by gastric juice in the form of foci of various sizes. A burning sensation behind the sternum, discomfort and pain when swallowing are the main symptoms of such a pathological process. Soon, heartburn and a feeling of acid in the mouth join these primary signs.

In gastroenterology, the following forms of focal gastroesophageal disease are distinguished:

Acute. Accompanied by acute pain behind the sternum during meals. The acute form of the disease is also manifested by a violation of the swallowing process and general malaise.
Catarrhal. It is characterized by swelling and inflammation of the mucous membrane of the esophagus. When swallowing, the patient experiences unbearable pain and a feeling of the presence of a foreign object in the throat.
Erosive. It is considered a complicated form of the disease, when ulcers begin to form on the mucous membrane.

An X-ray study is required to confirm the diagnosis of catarrhal esophagitis of focal form. With this diagnostic method, irregularities, focal dysplasia, accumulation of mucus and swelling of the folds will be detected.

In the diagnosis of the disease, a method such as esophagoscopy is also used. During this study, specialists manage to establish hyperemia of the esophageal mucosa, the presence of exudate and pustules, small hemorrhages and erosion. With the help of esophagomanometry, it is possible to establish motility disorders in the esophagus.

How to treat superficial catarrhal esophagitis and gastroduodenitis

In this form of complicated catarrhal reflux, bile produced by the liver is released into the digestive organs. The reason for the development of this pathological process is a malfunction in the functioning of the sphincters.

How to treat superficial catarrhal esophagitis and gastroduodenitis, or gastroduodenal reflux? When making an accurate diagnosis, specialists prescribe a treatment consisting of basic therapy and diet therapy. To achieve positive results, it is recommended to use two methods of therapy simultaneously.

Distal catarrhal esophagitis in cylindric metaplasia: signs and treatment

Cylindrical cell metaplasia of the esophagus can lead to the development of catarrhal reflux esophagitis. In gastroenterology, this pathological process is also known as "Barrett's syndrome" or "Barrett's esophagus".

Cylindrocellular metaplasia of the esophagus is a spasm representing a failure of the pathological process of the digestive system. It is characterized by pinching of the squamous epithelium by cylindrical cells. As a result of such a violation, they begin to break down under the action of highly acidic juice. In 25% of patients, this pathology is asymptomatic; in other cases, the disease manifests itself with smoothed symptoms.

Signs of distal catarrhal esophagitis with cylindric metaplasia are as follows:

burning behind the sternum;
regular belching with a sour taste and an unpleasant odor, which manifests itself soon after eating;
nausea and vomiting after eating, at a late stage of the course of the disease, blood impurities are observed in the vomit;
violation of the swallowing reflex, which is accompanied by uncomfortable and painful sensations;
retrosternal pain radiating to the neck and jaw.

Sometimes there may be non-esophageal symptoms - hoarseness, sore throat and a feeling of dryness in it, cough.

Catarrhal distal esophagitis and metaplasia are treated by taking medications that prevent the reflux of gastric contents into the esophagus. Treatment of catarrhal esophagitis and cylindrical metaplasia is carried out with medicines from the following pharmacological groups:

Antacids - Phosphalugel, Maalox, Gastal, Omeprazole

Proton pump inhibitors:

"Pantoprazole"

"Famotidine"

"Alfogel" and"Betamax"

"Gastratsid"

Prokinetics - "Ganaton", "Motilium", "Motilak"

Treatment of symptoms of catarrhal esophagitis with metaplasia is carried out only at the initial stages of the development of pathology or before surgery.

It is not always possible to get rid of the foci of Barrett's syndrome with a conservative method; an operation may be necessary to remove them. It can be done in several ways:

laser removal. At the first stage, a low-frequency laser beam is used to remove the cylindrical epithelium.
Photodynamic therapy. The destruction of metaplasia is carried out by exposure to light of a certain wavelength using photosensitizers.
Fundoplication. This technique consists in suturing the fundus of the stomach to the diaphragm in order to create an acute angle with the esophagus. This therapy eliminates the reflux of gastric contents into the esophagus.
Free surgery. During the operation, the affected area of the esophagus is removed. Such manipulations are indicated for the maximum and irreversible progression of the pathology.

Treatment of catarrhal reflux esophagitis of an infectious nature is carried out with the help of antibacterial and antiviral drugs, depending on the infectious agent.

Diet for catarrhal reflux esophagitis: sample menu

The basis for the treatment of acute and chronic catarrhal reflux esophagitis is diet therapy. The diet for catarrhal esophagitis is based on the following principles and rules:

The frequency of meals should be 5-6 times a day. Food should be taken every 3-4 hours.
You can only eat freshly prepared food.
It is strictly forbidden to drink food with water or other liquid.
It is necessary to exclude the use of foods that stimulate the production of gastric juice - chocolate, coffee, fatty broths, cabbage, fresh fruits and tea.
You must stop drinking alcohol and smoking.
The meal should not be carried out later than two hours before bedtime.

Almost all patients with the development of this disorder of the digestive system are prescribed dietary table No. 1 for the duration of treatment. A diet for catarrhal reflux esophagitis can be built on the following foods and dishes:

mashed potatoes;
green soft vegetables;
bananas, applesauce;
liquid cereals from white and brown rice, oatmeal, buckwheat, semolina, barley;
egg whites;
lean meat, chicken;
soups, broths;
water, weak tea.

Approximately the diet menu has this option:

Breakfast: a glass of green or weak black tea or kefir, porridge with fruit.

Catarrhal esophagitis is the most common form of esophagitis characterized by inflammation, shallow (superficial) lesions, and hyperemia of the esophageal mucosa.

In its course, this pathology is acute and chronic. Acute catarrhal esophagitis usually develops due to a simultaneous effect on the esophageal mucosa of any aggressive damaging factor. The chronic form of the disease is due to the long-term action of a harmful agent.

The pathological process that accompanies the course of catarrhal esophagitis can also have a different location, it can cover both the entire esophagus and its distal (remote) end, adjacent directly to the stomach itself. Currently, the most common is the distal type of catarrhal esophagitis.

Reasons for development

The main reasons for the development of catarrhal esophagitis include various errors in the human nutrition system. Most often, this disease occurs in people who abuse:

sour, spicy food;
marinades, smoked meats, pickles;
alcohol, strong coffee, tea;
excessively cold, hot drinks (dishes);
coarse, heavy food.

Sometimes the symptoms of this disease can manifest themselves due to the ingress of various aggressive substances into the esophagus in the form of iodine, some acids, alkalis.

In addition to all the above esophageal irritants, provocative factors also include the presence in the body of some serious functional malfunctions in the gastrointestinal tract, causing an increase in intra-abdominal pressure. It is noticed that sometimes catarrhal esophagitis appears against the background of pregnancy, due to achalasia of the cardia and stenosis of the esophagus, as well as in cases of development of neoplasms in the abdominal cavity.

Symptoms of the disease

The clinical picture of catarrhal esophagitis is generally similar to the symptoms of most gastrointestinal diseases. At the beginning of the development of the disease, mild symptoms usually appear in the form of aching, dull pains in the abdomen and sternum during and after eating. As the disease progresses, symptoms such as:

heartburn;
bouts of nausea, vomiting;
frequent belching of sour.

If, with catarrhal esophagitis, the inflammatory process mainly affects the distal end of the esophagus, the following symptoms are added to all the above signs of the disease:

a feeling of intense burning behind the sternum;
pain in the area between the shoulder blades.

Medical experts warn that all of the above symptoms appear only in the presence of any serious pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract, which means that if they are detected, it is necessary to immediately seek qualified help from a gastroenterologist.

Diagnosis and treatment of the disease

In order to accurately diagnose catarrhal esophagitis, the doctor needs to collect a detailed history, evaluate and analyze all the symptoms that appear in the patient, and then conduct a thorough study of the inner surface of the esophagus using esophagoscopy and X-ray examination.

After making an accurate diagnosis, the specialist prescribes to the patient a complex treatment of the identified catarrhal esophagitis, taking into account its clinical course and the severity of existing morphological changes in the structure of the esophageal mucosa. Usually, the treatment of this disease does not require surgical intervention and is carried out conservatively with the help of drug therapy. In most cases, such treatment includes taking:

antacids that eliminate heartburn (Almagel, Rennie, Maalox);
alginates that prevent the reflux of gastric mass into the esophagus (Gaviscon);
prokinetics that improve the motor function of the gastrointestinal tract (Cerukal, Motilium, Raglan);
antispasmodics that relieve the painful manifestations of the disease (Omez, No-shpa, Spazmalgon, Papaverine);
gastroprotectors that envelop and protect the esophageal mucosa (De-Nol, Bismuth nitrate, Venter);
vitamins that strengthen the body's immune system.

In order for the conservative treatment of the disease to be effective and efficient, doctors also recommend that patients follow a sparing diet throughout the entire treatment course (medical table No. 1).

In addition to the drug therapy used in traditional medicine, catarrhal esophagitis can be supplemented with basic treatment and some highly effective folk remedies. For these purposes, it is recommended to use various herbal decoctions that have enveloping and healing properties.

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Article content:

Catarrhal esophagitis is an inflammatory disease in which the mucous membrane of the esophagus is affected, it swells, hyperemia develops. Hyperemia is the overflow of the vessels of an organ or area of the body with blood. This disease develops due to the fact that there is a long-term physical or chemical irritation of the mucous membrane of the esophagus.

About the disease

Due to the action of various factors, the patient's epithelial cells are affected. But the disease affects only the upper layers, the submucosal and muscle tissues remain intact. White blood cells are needed to repair damaged cells. When they accumulate in one place (in this case, on the esophageal mucosa), they release inflammatory mediators. Because of them, the walls of the vessels begin to pass blood, not all, but some part. The nearest tissues are impregnated with it, they change color, turn red. Prostaglandins are released, it is because of them that the patient develops swelling, there is a feeling of soreness.

Causes of the disease

Why does catarrhal esophagitis occur? There are many reasons that lead to the development of this disease. Consider the most common.

Errors in nutrition

Many diseases, including esophagitis, occur due to malnutrition:

the person ate a lot of coarse or heavy food;
preferred something sour, pickled, smoked or peppered;
constantly eating too hot or too cold dishes;
abused alcohol;
he constantly drank too strong tea or coffee.

Exposure to aggressive substances

Often the cause of the onset of the disease can be exposure to various chemicals, for example, acid fumes, caustic alkalis, moles of heavy metals. In some cases, the disease can also occur due to hydrochloric acid. With gastroesophageal reflux disease, the contents of the stomach enter the esophagus and irritate its mucosa. Sometimes this happens with severe vomiting or prolonged intubation of the patient. There is also congestive esophagitis, which occurs because food debris accumulates in the lumen of the esophagus and irritates it.

Various diseases

We have already mentioned that GERD can be the cause of catarrhal esophagitis, but this is not the only disease that leads to mucosal damage. Sometimes it can be a manifestation of various infectious diseases, such as scarlet fever or diphtheria.

Sometimes the disease is a consequence of gastritis or gastroenteritis and other diseases. Can affect the well-being of a person and resection of the stomach or suturing ulcers, cancer and pregnancy. After such an operation, gastric juice is regularly thrown into the lower part of the esophagus, which causes inflammation.

In addition, an allergic type is distinguished, which is especially common in children suffering from food allergies or bronchial asthma. Sometimes the lining of the esophagus is damaged during an endoscopic examination.
Separately, it is worth mentioning patients with immunodeficiency, which may appear after organ or tissue transplantation, after radiation therapy, treatment with cytostatic drugs, and so on. Then inflammation can be caused by various viruses, fungi, for example, influenza, herpes, fungi of the genus Candida.

Types of catarrhal esophagitis

Catarrhal esophagitis can be acute or chronic. Acute inflammation appears if there was a sharp impact on the human body of any adverse factor, for example, there was a mucosal injury. The chronic form occurs in patients who every day for a long time faced with a pathological factor, for example, they constantly ate coarse food, preferred peppered dishes, marinades and smoking. Sometimes the disease becomes chronic, as acute esophagitis has not been cured. But the disease can also appear due to other pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract.
There are several forms of this disease:

Catarrhal reflux esophagitis. It develops due to the fact that gastric contents enter the mucosa of the esophagus. The cause of reflux may be insufficiency of the sphincter or diaphragmatic hernia of the esophagus. Most often, this form of the disease affects either pregnant women or overweight people.
Distal catarrhal esophagitis. Only the lower part of the esophagus, located next to the stomach, becomes inflamed.
Catarrhal terminal esophagitis. This disease is most common in newborns who suffered from oxygen deficiency in the womb, or after asphyxia. In this case, erosion and small hemorrhages appear on the mucosa of the esophagus.

Symptoms of the disease

Symptoms of the disease can be different, they depend on the form of the disease.

acute form

If the patient has acute esophagitis, then the symptoms are especially bright, strongly pronounced:

discomfort that appears when swallowing food, severe pain when food passes through the esophagus;
neck hurts;
the patient has profuse salivation, severe heartburn with belching;
the tongue is covered with a whitish coating;
the state of health deteriorates sharply, fever and severe chills may appear.

The illness can last for several days or several weeks.

Chronic form

The chronic form of the disease can be recognized by the following symptoms:

patients complain of discomfort and pain that appears in the retrosternal space and intensifies after eating. Pain can disturb at any time, and not only during meals, especially during physical exertion, or in the supine position;
the patient has severe heartburn, belching, hiccups, profuse salivation;
nausea and vomiting.

Symptoms are mild. The disease can last for several weeks, and several months, and even several years, the patient periodically experiences exacerbations.

Reflux esophagitis

Symptoms of reflux esophagitis are severe heartburn, as well as sour belching. There is a sour taste in the mouth, as well as pain.

Distal esophagitis

With this form of the disease, inflammation of the lower third of the esophagus is diagnosed, this is expressed by the following symptoms:

the patient has pain in the stomach and chest;
worried about heartburn, often nauseous, sometimes vomiting;
the patient coughs violently, his voice becomes hoarse and hoarse;
the patient's body is greatly weakened, he himself is often irritable;
after some time, heartburn and belching make themselves felt, when the patient lies down, chest pains begin to disturb.

In some patients (in 40% of cases) this disease is asymptomatic.

terminal form

The terminal form is more often diagnosed in young children, and the following symptoms may indicate the disease:

the baby hiccups strongly and often;
he is constantly spitting up or he has gushing vomiting;
the child does not sleep well, as he is disturbed by pain;
over time, he loses a lot of weight.

Adults have similar symptoms: severe pain in the chest, especially if the patient lies down, belching appears, constantly nauseous, vomits, the tongue is covered with a whitish coating.

The degree of development of the disease

There are several degrees of development of this disease:

1 degree. On the mucous membrane of the patient there is one or 2-3 foci of inflammation, but they are small in size, up to 5 mm in diameter. There are no symptoms at this stage.
2 degree. The defective zones are already larger in diameter (exceed 5 mm), they merge into one, but the entire mucosa is not yet affected. The patient begins to complain of retrosternal pain and heartburn.
3 degree. In this case, most of the mucosa (¾) is affected, the symptoms of the disease appear more clearly and do not depend on food intake.
4 degree. More than 75% of the mucosa has become inflamed, chronic ulcers and other complications may appear.

Diagnostics

If you have the above symptoms, you should contact a gastroenterologist who will prescribe treatment. With inflammation of the esophageal mucosa, a diagnosis can also be made on the basis of the signs of the disease. But you still can’t do without an examination:

Esophagoscopy. This is the most informative method. The endoscopist will examine the mucosa of the esophagus and be able to detect hyperemia or swelling. But this examination is not recommended for the acute phase of the disease, since it is possible to further injure the mucosa. At the same time, a biopsy is also performed so that the doctor can accurately diagnose, excluding cancer.
X-ray of the esophagus. This examination is not very informative, but sometimes it is still carried out to see the swelling of the mucosal folds or uneven contours. It also helps to detect cancer or narrowing of the esophagus.
Esophageal manometry. Needed to study the motility of the esophagus.
Intraesophageal pH-metry. It is this study that will help detect gastroesophageal reflux, determine its duration and frequency.

Treatment

How to treat esophagitis? The doctor selects the treatment individually. Here it is very important to establish the cause of the onset of the disease, and try to eliminate the unfavorable factor that contributed to the development of the disease.

The patient must go on a diet. All dishes must be boiled or steamed, and then ground, served to the patient in pureed form. The amount of salt is limited, spices are excluded. The patient must adhere to diet number 1. You need to eat often, every 3 hours. He is allowed only warm dishes, everything hot and cold is excluded. Overeating is also not recommended.

Treatment also includes medication. What exactly to write out, the doctor decides. But most often it is recommended to drink antacids, drugs that stabilize the production of hydrochloric acid in the stomach, as well as alginators that protect the walls from hydrochloric acid. Various medical procedures can also be prescribed, for example, direct current stimulation of the sphincter. If conservative treatment fails, the patient has a precancerous condition or persistent bleeding, in this case, an operation is prescribed.

Catarrhal esophagitis, if started, can cause serious complications: purulent inflammation, cicatricial stenosis, wall perforation. Therefore, it is advisable to start treatment immediately. If you see a doctor in time, the prognosis is favorable.