oesophagitis
Last reviewed 01/2018
Oesophagitis is inflammation of the oesphagus, most commonly caused by reflux.
Other factors which can lead to the development of oesophagitis include alcohol, bile and drugs - especially if their passage is slowed by a stricture. Drugs that may cause oesophagitis include antibiotics - particularly tetracyclines, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and iron compounds.
Corrosive agents, e.g. caustic soda and lysol, may cause oesophagitis.
Oesophagitis may also result from infection, e.g. herpes simplex, candida. Candidal oesophagitis is more common when patients are immunocompromised, e.g. due to drug therapy such as steroids, or disease, e.g. AIDS.