Is oesophagitis reversible/treatable?

Question

I was sent for endoscopy and was diagnosed with "moderately severe reflex oesophagitis", "gastritis" and "duodinitis". I was treated with omeprazole for several weeks but the thing did not go. I had to discontinue the treatment because I was finding no improvement and the debts were getting out of manageable proportions. Now I still find difficulty in swallowing, but the most publicly embarrassing is the hiccupping and belching. Is this conidition treatable/curable? Or am I going to continue like this? Am I at risk of fatality? …And I experience shortness of breath. Is this related? What about the dizziness, fatigue, tingilng, vertigo and headaches?

Answer 1

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker

Risk of fatality? I don't think immediately, but long-term reflux increases your chance for developing the precancerous condition Barrett's esophagus, which increases your risk of developing esophageal cancer. Even though your absolute risk of esophageal cancer is fairly low and usually happens to the elderly, it has a dismal survival rate, so it is important that you treat your esophagitis, gastritis, and duodinitis. (BTW, I believe long-term gastritis may increase your risk of stomach cancer.)

Anyway, just because omeprazole didn't work for you doesn't mean another proton pump inhibitor won't. Many people have to try several varieties of PPH before they find the one that works.

I know it can be expensive, but you are worth it and, yes, it is important to resolve.

Asker's Rating:

Asker's Comment:

This is highly informative. It is good to learn that other drugs can work. Thanks Vicki.

Answer 2

esophagitis is of course treatable...but if you will not do the treatment because of other financial priorities then of course you will not get better.
If the Omeprazole did not work, then I suggest that you need to consult a different doctor for different treatment, but you have to commit to your own health and the financial burden that represents.

Source(s):

RN

Answer 3

As for the gastritis, it depends on the cause. If you have the heliobacter pylori bacteria in your stomach, you may need to be treated with several antibiotics. It can lead to ulcers and other such GI problems. It is the most common bacteria that causes GI problems. The doctor may have taken a biopsy during the endoscopy. Ask him/her if you have the bacteria and what can be done for it. There should be other medications to treat the discomfort of acid reflux as well.

The shortness of breath could explain the other symptoms. You need to speak to your doctor about them. It doesn't seem to be a related issue.
Tell your doctor about all of your concerns so he/she can address all of them.

Answer 4

Causes and Risk Factors of Esophagitis
Chemicals especially likely to cause very severe corrosive esophagitis include cleaning or disinfectant solutions.

Factors that contribute to the development of reflux esophagitis include the caustic nature of the refluxate, the inability to clear the refluxate from the esophagus, the volume of gastric contents, and local mucosal protective functions.


Poor lower esophageal segment functioning may be associated with a hiatal hernia, in which the top part of the stomach slides back and forth between the chest and the abdomen. Symptoms may be worsened by alcohol, smoking, sedentary lifestyle and obesity.



Symptoms of Esophagitis
The main symptom of reflux esophagitis is heartburn, with or without regurgitation of gastric contents into the mouth, which worsens on bending over. Complications of GERD include esophagitis and possibly massive but limited hemorrhage.



Treatment of Esophagitis
Treatment of corrosive esophagitis involves reducing pain and making the patient comfortable. Gastric lavage is to be avoided in that it may worsen the condition.

Development of a severe esophageal stricture may require dilatation and perhaps surgery. Uncomplicated GERD may be tolerated for many years with good response to medical therapy.


Management consists of:



Elevating the head of the bed

Avoiding strong stimulants of acid secretions (e.g., coffee, alcohol)

Avoiding certain drugs (e.g., anticholinergics), specific foods (fats, chocolate), and smoking, all of which lower esophageal sphincter competence

Giving an antacid to neutralize gastric acidity and possibly increase lower esophageal sphincter competence

Use of cholinergic agonists to increase sphincter pressure

Use of H2 agonists to reduce stomach acidity


Surgical treatment may be necessary to correct a hiatal hernia.

Source(s):

http://www.healthscout.com/ency/68/520/m…