How To Manage Reflux Esophagitis

Lifestyle and dietary modifications are essential for managing reflux esophagitis. Maintaining a healthy weight, elevating the head of the bed during sleep, quitting smoking and alcohol consumption are key steps. It's also important to avoid eating large meals, especially late at night, and to refrain from exercising immediately after eating. Certain foods that can trigger acid reflux—such as chocolate, coffee, tomatoes, and spicy or fatty dishes—should be avoided or consumed in moderation.

Medication plays a significant role in treating reflux esophagitis, particularly when other gastrointestinal conditions are present. Patients may suffer from concurrent issues like functional gastrointestinal disorders, chronic gastritis, bile reflux, visceral hypersensitivity, or gut microbiota imbalance. Treatment options often include proton pump inhibitors, antacids, prokinetic agents, mucosal protectants, bile acid sequestrants, neuromodulators, and in some cases, traditional herbal remedies.

For patients with refractory esophagitis, endoscopic treatments may be considered. These include endoscopic ablation techniques or magnetic sphincter augmentation procedures. Another long-term solution is anti-reflux surgery, most commonly fundoplication, which effectively controls various types of reflux and associated symptoms. Surgery may be recommended for individuals who experience persistent symptoms despite medical therapy, have complications such as strictures or Barrett's esophagus, or suffer from a significantly reduced quality of life. However, thorough preoperative evaluation and careful selection of candidates are crucial.