Esophagitis is an inflammation of the lining inside your esophagus — the tube that carries food from your throat down to your stomach. It can cause pain, difficulty swallowing, and serious complications if left untreated. In some cases, untreated esophagitis can lead to a condition called Barrett’s esophagus, which raises the risk of esophageal cancer. This guide explains what causes esophagitis, what symptoms to watch for, and how it is diagnosed and treated in Canada.
What Is Esophagitis?
Your esophagus is a muscular tube about 25 centimetres long. It connects your mouth and throat to your stomach. When the inner lining of this tube becomes irritated or inflamed, doctors call it esophagitis.
Left untreated, esophagitis can lead to ulcers, scarring, and trouble swallowing. In more serious cases, it can cause Barrett’s esophagus. This is a change in the cells lining the esophagus that increases the risk of esophageal cancer. For more background on esophageal conditions, you can visit the Mayo Clinic’s overview of esophagitis.
Common Causes of Esophagitis
Esophagitis has two main causes: infection and irritation. Understanding which one applies to you helps your doctor choose the right treatment.
Infections That Can Cause Esophagitis
Bacteria, viruses, and fungi can all infect the esophagus. These infections are more common in people with weakened immune systems. For example, people living with HIV or those managing diabetes may be more vulnerable.
Two of the most common infections are:
Candida: This is a fungal infection caused by the same yeast responsible for vaginal yeast infections. It develops in the esophagus when the immune system is weakened. Fortunately, it responds well to antifungal medications.
Herpes: This viral infection can also affect the esophagus in people with a weakened immune system. Doctors treat it effectively with antiviral medications.
Irritation and Inflammation
Many everyday factors can irritate the esophagus and trigger inflammation. These include:
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD): Stomach acid flows back up into the esophagus, causing ongoing irritation.
Vomiting: Repeated vomiting exposes the esophagus to harsh stomach acid.
Medications: Aspirin and other anti-inflammatory drugs can irritate the esophagus lining.
Pills taken improperly: Large pills swallowed with too little water — or taken right before lying down — can get stuck and cause local irritation.
Hernias: A hiatal hernia can allow stomach contents to reflux into the esophagus more easily.
Radiation therapy: Cancer treatment to the chest area can damage the esophagus lining as a side effect.
Swallowed toxic substances: Accidental ingestion of harmful chemicals can burn or damage the esophagus.
Surgery: Certain surgical procedures near the esophagus can cause irritation or injury.
According to Healthline’s guide on esophagitis, GERD is one of the most common causes of esophagitis in adults.
Symptoms of Esophagitis
Esophagitis symptoms can range from mild to quite uncomfortable. They often overlap with other digestive conditions, so it is important to get a proper diagnosis from a healthcare provider.
Common symptoms include:
Difficulty swallowing — food may feel like it is getting stuck
Painful swallowing — a sharp or burning pain when food goes down
Heartburn — a burning sensation in the chest
Bitter taste in the mouth — especially after eating or lying down
Feeling of something stuck in the throat
Nausea or vomiting
Dizziness — in some cases
If you notice any of these symptoms regularly, it is a good idea to speak with your family doctor or visit a walk-in clinic as soon as possible.
How Doctors Diagnose Esophagitis
Your doctor will start by reviewing your medical history and doing a physical examination. Based on what they find, they may recommend one or more of the following tests.
Upper Endoscopy
This is the most common test for esophagitis. A doctor passes a thin, flexible tube called an endoscope down your throat. A small camera on the end lets them see the lining of your esophagus directly. This test is usually performed by a gastroenterologist — a specialist in digestive health.
Biopsy
During an endoscopy, your doctor may take a small sample of tissue from your esophagus. This is called a biopsy. The tissue is sent to a lab and examined under a microscope to look for signs of infection, inflammation, or abnormal cells.
Barium Swallow X-Ray
For this test, you drink a thick liquid that contains barium. Barium coats the inside of your esophagus and shows up bright white on X-ray images. This helps your doctor spot abnormalities such as narrowing, ulcers, or irregular shapes in the esophagus.
In Canada, your family doctor can refer you for these tests through your provincial health plan. Wait times vary by province, so your doctor may recommend a walk-in clinic or urgent care centre if your symptoms are severe.
Treatment Options for Esophagitis
Treatment for esophagitis depends on the cause. Your doctor will tailor a plan based on your specific situation. However, there are several well-established options available.
Medications
Depending on the cause of your esophagitis, your doctor may prescribe:
Antacids or acid-blocking medications: These reduce stomach acid production and help with GERD-related esophagitis. Common examples include proton pump inhibitors (PPIs).
Antifungal medications: Used to treat Candida infections of the esophagus.
Antiviral medications: Used when a viral infection such as herpes is the cause.
Antibiotics: Prescribed for bacterial infections.
Pain relievers: To manage discomfort during recovery.
Corticosteroids: These reduce inflammation and are sometimes used for severe or allergy-related esophagitis.
Medical Procedures
In some situations, medication alone is not enough. Your doctor may recommend:
Endoscopic removal: If a pill or piece of food is lodged in the esophagus, a doctor can remove it using an endoscope.
Intravenous (IV) nutrition: In serious cases, giving your esophagus a complete rest from food allows it to heal. Nutrients are delivered directly into your bloodstream through an IV.
Surgery: Rarely, a surgeon may need to remove damaged sections of the esophagus. This is usually a last resort for severe or recurring cases.
Lifestyle Changes to Ease Discomfort
Along with medical treatment, several practical changes can help reduce your symptoms and speed up healing.
Avoid spicy foods such as chilli peppers, black pepper, and curry.
Avoid hard or rough foods like raw vegetables, crackers, or nuts.
Avoid acidic drinks like orange juice, grapefruit juice, and tomato juice. Instead, choose vitamin C-fortified drinks that are gentler on the esophagus.
Chew food slowly and take small bites.
If swallowing is painful, tilt your head slightly back to help food slide down more easily.
Try drinking liquids through a straw to reduce discomfort.
Avoid smoking and alcohol, as both irritate the esophagus lining.
The Health Canada website offers additional resources on managing digestive health and making safe medication choices.
Barrett’s Esophagus and Cancer Risk
When esophagitis goes untreated for a long time — especially from chronic acid reflux — it can lead to Barrett’s esophagus. In this condition, the normal cells lining the lower esophagus are replaced by cells more similar to those found in the intestine.
Barrett’s esophagus itself does not always cause noticeable symptoms. However, it is considered a risk factor for esophageal cancer. Therefore, people with chronic GERD or longstanding esophagitis should ask their doctor whether screening is appropriate for them.
If you have been diagnosed with Barrett’s esophagus, your gastroenterologist will likely recommend regular endoscopy check-ups. In Canada, these follow-up appointments are typically covered under provincial health plans.
When to See a Doctor
If you experience ongoing heartburn, painful swallowing, or the feeling of food getting stuck, do not wait. These symptoms can point to esophagitis or another digestive condition that needs attention.
You should seek medical advice if:
Your symptoms last more than a few days
Over-the-counter antacids are not helping
You are losing weight unexpectedly
You have chest pain (always rule out a heart issue first)
You are vomiting frequently
Swallowing becomes increasingly difficult or painful
Start by booking an appointment with your family doctor. If you do not have a family doctor — which is a reality for many Canadians — a walk-in clinic or an urgent care centre can assess your symptoms and refer you to a specialist if needed. A gastroenterologist is the specialist best equipped to diagnose and treat esophagitis.
Always speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting or changing any treatment. Only a doctor can give you advice tailored to your health history.
Frequently Asked Questions About Esophagitis
What does esophagitis feel like?
Esophagitis often feels like a burning pain in the chest or throat, especially when swallowing. Some people describe a sensation of food getting stuck or a bitter taste in the mouth. These symptoms can range from mild to quite uncomfortable depending on the severity of the inflammation.
Can esophagitis go away on its own?
Mild cases of esophagitis may improve with simple dietary changes and over-the-counter antacids. However, esophagitis caused by infection or chronic acid reflux usually requires medical treatment to heal properly. Without treatment, the condition can worsen and lead to complications such as Barrett’s esophagus.
How long does esophagitis take to heal?
Healing time for esophagitis depends on the cause and severity. With proper treatment, many people see improvement within a few weeks. More severe cases, or those linked to chronic conditions like GERD, may take several months to fully resolve.
Is esophagitis the same as acid reflux?
No, they are not the same, but they are closely related. Acid reflux — or GERD — is one of the most common causes of esophagitis. When stomach acid repeatedly flows back into the esophagus, it irritates the lining and can cause esophagitis over time.
What foods should I avoid with esophagitis?
People with esophagitis are generally advised to avoid spicy foods, acidic drinks like citrus juices, hard or crunchy foods, alcohol, and caffeine. Eating soft, mild foods in small bites can help reduce irritation while your esophagus heals. Your doctor or a dietitian can give you a personalised eating plan.
Can esophagitis lead to cancer?
Untreated esophagitis — particularly from long-term acid reflux — can lead to a condition called Barrett’s esophagus, which is a known risk factor for esophageal cancer. However, not everyone with esophagitis will develop Barrett’s esophagus, and not everyone with Barrett’s esophagus will develop cancer. Regular monitoring by your doctor is the best way to stay informed.
Key Takeaways
Esophagitis is inflammation of the esophagus lining that can cause pain, heartburn, and difficulty swallowing. The two main causes are infection (fungal, viral, or bacterial) and irritation (from acid reflux, medications, or other factors). Common symptoms include burning pain, trouble swallowing, bitter taste in the mouth, and nausea. Diagnosis usually involves an endoscopy, biopsy, or barium swallow X-ray — all available through your provincial health plan with a referral. Treatment depends on the cause and may include medications, lifestyle changes, or in rare cases, surgery. Untreated
