Catarrh is a type of inflammatory reaction of the mucous membranes, with a predominance of the exudative phase. Morphologically, this type of damage is characterized by hyperemia and edema; on the surface of the pathological focus, exudate with a large number of desquamated epithelial cells is determined. Catarrhal inflammation of the esophageal mucosa is catarrhal esophagitis.

In gastroenterological practice, distal catarrhal reflux esophagitis is often encountered against the background of insufficiency of the cardia of the stomach, the symptoms and treatment of which are determined by the underlying disease.

The inflammatory process occurs in the presence of other diseases of the gastrointestinal tract:

• GERD - gastroesophageal reflux disease;
• DZHVP - biliary dyskinesia;
• gastroduodenitis - inflammation of the stomach and duodenum;
• axial hiatal hernia;
• duodenal gastric reflux (DGR).

Catarrhal reflux esophagitis: what is it: symptoms and treatment

Catarrhal reflux esophagitis is an inflammation of the esophageal mucosa caused by gastric reflux. The condition occurs when there is insufficiency of the cardia - the lower esophageal sphincter does not completely close and acidic contents are thrown from the stomach into the esophageal tube.

The process is localized only in the tunica mucosa of the distal part of the esophagus. In the absence of treatment, it is possible to involve other parts of the organ in the process, without spreading to the submucosa and muscular membrane. With adequate therapy and diet, the disease can be cured completely, otherwise the process becomes chronic, which is more difficult to treat.

Forms of the disease

Depending on the duration of the damaging factor, catarrhal reflux esophagitis (RE) is divided into:

• acute - arising quickly with a strong influence of an unfavorable factor, this form of RE responds well to treatment, while the esophageal mucosa is completely restored;
• chronic - occurs with prolonged exposure to adverse factors, the outcome is atrophic processes in the mucosa.

Catarrhal RE has several degrees of severity of the condition:

1. I degree - single, non-merging foci of inflammation. There is no clinic at this stage - this is a distal focal reflux esophagitis.
2. II degree - single foci begin to merge. Clinically, this is manifested by heartburn and pain during meals.
3. III degree - the pathological process extends to most of the organ. Clinical signs appear outside the meal.
4. IV degree is the stage of complications, cicatricial and ulcerative defects appear.

All types of catarrhal inflammation of the esophagus according to the localization of the pathological process are divided into:

• proximal esophagitis - developing in the upper parts of the organ;
• distal esophagitis - developing in the lower sections;
• total esophagitis - capturing the entire organ.

Distal catarrhal esophagitis is almost always the result of reflux.

Causes

Causes contributing to the onset of the disease can be:

• injuries (mechanical, chemical, thermal);
• infections (acute and chronic);
• somatic diseases

Normally, the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) promotes the movement of food into the stomach and prevents its reverse movement. If the work of the LES is disrupted, the opening between the esophagus and the stomach remains completely or partially open all the time. Cardiac insufficiency develops.

As a result, the contents of the stomach regurgitation into the esophagus. Normally, the contents of the stomach also periodically enter the esophagus, but if the protective mechanisms (clearance - the ability to self-cleanse, the neutralizing effect of mucus and saliva) work normally, the disease does not occur.

When the protective mechanisms are depleted, H+ ions of the stomach, acting on the mucosa of the esophagus, cause inflammation, GERD occurs. Catarrh of the esophagus develops, and then (if the disease is not treated), more severe forms of esophagitis.

Distal RE most often develops not separately, but against the background of other diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. In order to treat catarrhal reflux esophagitis, the causes of the pathology are eliminated - the underlying disease is treated.

Symptoms of catarrhal reflux esophagitis

For a long time, catarrhal reflux esophagitis can be asymptomatic or with minimal unexpressed symptoms. The main symptoms of distal catarrhal RE are in the chest, aggravated by eating, especially when eating hard food.

As the pathology develops, pains of a stabbing and burning nature join. The pains are localized retrosternally (behind the sternum in the projection of the esophagus), radiate to the shoulder blades and neck, and intensify during meals.

Patients are concerned about heartburn, increased salivation (salivation), belching.

For a pronounced form of reflux esophagitis against the background of insufficiency of the cardia of the stomach, it is characteristic:

• general weakness, nervousness;
• heartburn;
• belching;
• pain in the retrosternal region and in the region of the stomach, aggravated by eating;
• nausea;
• increased salivation;
• paroxysmal cough;
• change in voice tone.

What is chronic catarrhal reflux esophagitis

Acute catarrhal esophagitis most often ends in recovery or becomes chronic. The outcome of a chronic process may be atrophy of the mucous membrane.

Chronic catarrhal reflux esophagitis is a chronic inflammation of the tunica mucosa of the terminal (distal) esophagus, caused by prolonged action of gastric reflux on it against the background of cardial insufficiency. In most cases, pathology occurs in the presence of other diseases of the gastrointestinal tract (hiatal hernia, gastritis, duodenitis, DGR).

In order to determine how to treat a patient, they begin with finding out the causes of the pathology and eliminating them. In this case, the treatment of the inflammatory process in the terminal esophagus depends on the success of the treatment of the underlying disease. Most often, astringents, enveloping substances, antispasmodics are prescribed, and if necessary, painkillers are added.

Diagnostics

If catarrh of the esophagus is suspected, then the main diagnostic method is esophageal endoscopy and biopsy.

The most typical signs of catarrhal esophagitis during endoscopic examination are edema and hyperemia, if such changes are detected in the distal esophagus, then most often there are signs of insufficiency of the cardia of the stomach and GERD.

Endoscopy is best done outside the acute stage, so as not to cause additional trauma to the esophageal mucosa. Endoscopic diagnosis involves a biopsy of the mucosa at the site of the lesion, followed by a histological examination to exclude the oncological process and.

Reveals swelling of the folds and uneven contours of the mucosa.

Esophageal manometry is performed to study the motility of the esophagus.

In the general examination scheme, intraesophageal pH-metry is mandatory to detect GERD, determine the frequency and duration of episodes of reflux reflux from the stomach into the distal esophagus.

Laboratory diagnostics in the case of an inflammatory process in the esophagus is uninformative. When analyzing peripheral blood, it is possible to detect a small neutrophilic leukocytosis.

Catarrhal reflux esophagitis: treatment

In the treatment of patients with catarrhal reflux esophagitis, it is necessary to eliminate the cause that caused the pathology.

With the diagnosis of GERD of ulcerogenic (ulcerative) origin or on the basis of gastroduodenitis, it is necessary to reduce the concentration of H + ions in the refluxate and reduce the likelihood of reflux. For this are used:

1. Antacids (Gastal, Phosphalugel, Maalox). Recently, alginates are more often used (Topalkan, Gaviscon).
2. IGR (cimetidine, ranitidine, famotidine, roxatidine).
3. PPI (Omeprazole, Pantoprazole, Rabeprazole).
4. Prokinetics (Ganaton and Domperidone.)

Dosedrugs for chronic distal reflux esophagitis is selected individually.

In the treatment of acute focal esophagitis, drugs are used:

• drugs that cause surface coagulation of proteins, thereby creating a protective film on the surface of the mucosa (colloidal silver, tannin);
• medicines that form colloidal solutions and suspensions with water that protect the mucous membrane (bismuth nitrate, calcium carbonate);
• Anesthetics are used to reduce the intensity of the pain syndrome.

Do they take to the army with catarrhal reflux esophagitis

The diagnosis of "Reflux esophagitis" is mentioned in the document "Schedule of illnesses regarding fitness for military service." However, it speaks of a severe form of the disease that occurs with impaired secretory and acid-forming functions, requiring repeated and prolonged hospitalizations.

Catarrhal reflux esophagitis cannot give such a clinic, which means it is not a contraindication for military service; with this form of esophagitis, they take the army.

Diet

In catarrhal RE plays no less important role than drug treatment. Patients are prescribed diet No. 1 according to Pevsner, which maximally limits the effect on the esophageal mucosa. All dishes should have a soft texture, be warm, boiled, and not contain spices. Meals should be reusable in very small portions. Food must be taken at the same time.

Treatment with traditional medicine

Means of herbal medicine can smooth out the manifestations of catarrhal inflammation, especially in the early stages of the development of the disease. Herbs are able to increase regenerative processes, reduce the inflammatory response.

The question of whether it is possible to cure catarrhal reflux esophagitis only by means of traditional medicine raises great doubts, because together with the process in the esophagus it is necessary to treat its accompanying diseases (GERD, gastroduodenitis, GHD), and more traditional therapy is needed here.

Inflammatory reaction is reduced: calamus root, oak bark, St. John's wort.

Regeneration is promoted by a mixture of honey and aloe.

Reduce pain sensations: pharmacy chamomile, plantain, yarrow.

What is dangerous catarrhal reflux esophagitis

With timely and proper treatment, adherence to the prescribed diet, the prognosis of catarrhal reflux esophagitis is favorable. If untreated, the disease can become chronic, characterized by alternations of exacerbations and remissions. With the progression of the disease, complications are possible.

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The upper layers of the mucous membrane of the esophageal wall, under certain negative factors, can become inflamed, which is called esophagitis. The most common form of this disease is catarrhal, in which the nature of the lesion is moderate, not accompanied by deep destruction of the tissues of the organ and damage to the submucosa. Depending on the localization, the disease can be distal, proximal and total, when the lower section, the upper section and the entire organ are affected, respectively. The article will consider distal catarrhal esophagitis: what it is, the causes of development, the clinical picture, diagnosis and treatment methods. This form is also called reflux esophagitis.

Short description

Distal catarrhal reflux esophagitis often develops with cardia insufficiency, when gastric contents (gastric juice, bile) enter the esophagus, constantly irritating the mucous membrane. This occurs against the background of infectious diseases or other factors. In most cases, the pathology is combined with HH, which stands for hiatal hernia. The disease is characterized mainly by a chronic course, but the sharp influence of a certain aggressive factor causes an acute form. According to statistics, a greater percentage of morbidity is diagnosed in men, the causes of which are smoking and alcohol abuse. And these are factors that are among the first irritants of such an organ as the esophagus.

Forms of pathology

Classification of the disease according to the nature of the course:

• chronic, developing as a result of a long-term negative effect on the mucosa of a certain pathological factor, for example, mechanically rough, very hot or excessively cold food, and the like;
• acute, arising due to the sharp action of an unfavorable factor, which may be infection, trauma to the mucous membrane of an organ, and so on.

Classification by provoking factor:

• allergic type that occurs under the influence of allergens;
• infectious caused by bacteria, fungi or viruses;
• alimentary, in which the provoking factor is improper and irrational consumption of food;
• stagnant, developing under the influence of food debris in the lumen of the organ;
• professional, which appears when aggressive substances enter the esophagus, for example, alkaline, acidic, etc.

Degrees of development

There are several degrees of severity of catarrhal distal reflux esophagitis:

1. I degree, characterized by local foci of inflammation, present in a small amount, no larger than five centimeters in size, their fusion, as well as symptoms, is absent;
2. II degree, in which the percentage of damage to the mucous wall is from 10 to 15 percent, the size of the defective zones is more than five centimeters, they begin to gradually merge with each other, at this stage the first signs appear in the form of pain, burning and heartburn, and sometimes pathological exudate;
3. III degree is characterized by damage to about half of the mucous membrane with the fusion of erosive foci in some areas, at this stage, tissue necrosis and the severity of symptoms may already appear, regardless of food intake;
4. IV degree, when more than 75 percent of the mucosa is affected, and the foci of inflammation are completely merged, complications appear, such as chronic ulcers, narrowing of the lumen, and tissue necrosis.

Causes

The main factor causing the pathological condition is malnutrition, which consists in an excessive passion for sour, pickled and rough foods, drinking a large amount of carbonated drinks, coffee and alcohol. This factor is classified as chemical, along with the negative impact on the esophagus of alkalis and acids. There is also a thermal factor, which consists in the systematic receipt of burns of the mucous membrane due to the regular use of very hot food and drinks. There are also endogenous factors, that is, internal ones, such as cardia insufficiency, duodeno-gastric and other diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. Other reasons for the development of pathology can be injuries of the esophagus, infections of various kinds, prolonged very severe heartburn.

Clinical picture

The characteristic symptoms of the disease are as follows:

• pain in the chest region, which at the beginning of the development of the pathology is mild, aching in nature;
• heartburn;
• cough, characterized by paroxysmal character;
• belching with a sour taste;
• nausea, sometimes accompanied by vomiting;
• whitish coating on the tongue, which does not always appear;
• hoarse, hoarse voice.

It is noteworthy that in about thirty percent of cases this disease has an asymptomatic course.

Diagnostic measures

The most effective diagnostic method is esophagoscopy, which allows you to identify foci of swelling and hyperemia. In addition, radiography with a contrast agent, fibrogastroscopy, examination for a pH environment, radionuclide scanning, computed or magnetic resonance imaging may be prescribed.

The essence of the treatment

The most important condition for the treatment of catarrhal distal esophagitis in the initial forms is the observance of a special diet. Most often this is table number one according to Pevzner. The therapy also includes the use of drugs to eliminate heartburn, painkillers, as well as drugs that help envelop the mucosa.

Vitamins, traditional medicine recipes are included, among which infusions with medicinal herbs that have anti-inflammatory effects (oak bark, calendula, chamomile), sea buckthorn oil and others are especially effective. The treatment is supplemented with physiotherapeutic procedures (laser endoscopy, electrophoresis with novocaine, oxygen exposure, etc.). If the disease is in an advanced stage (regular bleeding, precancerous stage) and the methods of conservative medicine are ineffective, then they resort to surgical intervention.

Article content:

With long-term physical or chemical effects on the mucous membrane of the esophagus, an inflammatory process occurs, called reflux esophagitis in medical practice. This disease occurs in many adults and, as a rule, is acute or chronic.

The most common form of the disease is catarrhal reflux esophagitis, which is detected by morphological changes in the protective mucous wall of the esophagus.

This painful formation can be determined using an esophagoscope, during a diagnostic examination of the patient. In medical practice, the disease is also called distal catarrhal esophagitis.

Causes and symptoms

Esophageal disease occurs for various reasons, and it can be characterized as a specific reaction of the body to the ingress of foreign agents that provoke irritation of the mucosa.

Most often, catarrhal reflux esophagitis appears as a result of malnutrition, poorly chewed food, when eating foods high in alkalis and acids.

Also, this disease is provoked by alcoholic beverages, strong tea, coffee, hot spices, dry food and hot dishes. Some medications that a person takes to relieve certain symptoms can also weaken the protection of the esophagus.

The acute form of catarrhal reflux esophagitis occurs with stenosis, due to a certain failure in the motor activity of the esophagus, with insufficiency, leading to violations of the protective mechanisms of the mucosa and in the presence of a tumor in the abdominal cavity.

The disease often appears in pregnant women, and, as a rule, disappears on its own after the birth of a child. Unpleasant symptoms of the disease can also occur after eating solid food or when accidentally swallowing a fish bone.

Catarrhal (superficial) reflux esophagitis can be diagnosed if there are characteristic symptoms. A person has acute or dull pain in the gastrointestinal tract, a feeling of heaviness in the chest prevails, especially manifested after eating, frequent belching, regurgitation and excessive salivation are possible.

The most important symptom of the disease is heartburn, which occurs due to spontaneous pouring of gastric juice into the esophagus. Such an unpleasant disease is typical not only for adults, but also for minor children.

The baby may experience frequent spitting up of air or minor vomiting of food (milk). Older children may complain of sour belching and a burning sensation in the chest area. These symptoms often occur after meals or at night.

With prolonged exposure of the acidic contents of the stomach to the esophageal mucosa, significant changes in the internal structures of the organ occur, which leads to the development of chronic catarrhal reflux esophagitis.

Such a disease is often accompanied by the concept of "insufficiency of the cardia", which implies a certain failure of the functionality of the esophagus. Cardia is the upper part of the stomach, where the sphincter is located, which acts as a protective wall between the stomach and esophagus.

This mechanism allows food elements to pass only in one direction, closing the passage back, and this action occurs with the interconnected work of other structures involved in the digestive system. But if at least one of them fails for any reason, cardia insufficiency occurs, which leads to the development of reflux esophagitis.

Diagnosis and treatment

It is better to treat a disease of the esophagus after establishing an accurate diagnosis, which can be detected by a diagnostic examination of a patient with characteristic symptoms.

Confirmation or refutation of the diagnosis is carried out after an endoscopic examination of the esophagus, which allows to determine the pronounced changes in the mucosa.

This procedure is carried out a few days after the first symptoms of the disease appear. If there is a need for a histological examination, specialists perform an endoscopic biopsy of the mucosa.

Also, the doctor may prescribe a diagnostic procedure esophagomanometry, thanks to which it is possible to determine violations of the motor function of the esophagus. And with the help of radiography, possible swelling of the wall, changes in the contours of the esophagus and accumulation of mucus inside the organ are revealed.

It is necessary to treat superficial reflux esophagitis in stages, first of all, it is necessary to eliminate the pain syndrome and the cause of the disease, and then the patient will have to follow a special diet.

Treatment is carried out according to the appointment of a gastroenterologist, after all the necessary examination procedures have been carried out. The wellness complex includes:

• medical course of treatment;
• strict diet;
• abstinence from physical activity;
• surgical intervention in case of complications.

Treatment of catarrhal esophagitis is based on the use of antacids, drugs that have an enveloping effect. Prokinetics may also be prescribed to increase the tone of the lower esophageal sphincter.

With a complicated course of the disease, the doctor prescribes a course of antibiotics to the patient, and antifungal drugs may also be prescribed. If a patient has a noticeable intoxication, treatment includes infusion therapy, which involves the introduction of antitoxic solutions.

Reflux esophagitis, which has an infectious origin, is eliminated by the use of antibacterial drugs. If a severe narrowing of the esophagus is detected, surgery is recommended to eliminate the pathology that has arisen.

In cardia insufficiency, patients should avoid serious physical exertion and heavy lifting. Any sudden movements or tension of the abdominal muscles can provoke unpleasant symptoms of reflux esophagitis.

The dietary diet provides for the use of low-fat foods, all main dishes should be steamed or baked. From drinks it is better to give preference to non-acidic compositions, and be sure to exclude strong tea, coffee and alcohol.

Jelly-like dishes and kissels from sweet fruits are welcome. People suffering from reflux esophagitis are advised not to take a horizontal position of the body for 1-2 hours after eating, but to spend this time in an active state. A detailed diet for this disease is prescribed by the attending physician.

Catarrhal reflux esophagitis is an abnormal process that results in the release of stomach contents into the esophagus. The danger of reflux esophagitis is that without treatment, the resulting inflammation can eventually degenerate into a more serious disease, even oncology.

Why does the release of gastric juice have a detrimental effect on the mucous membrane of the esophagus? The internal lining of the stomach and esophagus differ in their structure. Therefore, gastric juice, which contains, in addition to enzymes, hydrochloric acid, does not damage the gastric mucosa, but when it enters the esophagus, it provokes inflammation there. This inflammatory process negatively affects not only the esophagus, but also the adjacent organs of the gastrointestinal tract.

Important! Inflammatory processes occurring in the distal part of the esophagus provoke a change in the pH of the esophagus due to the release of gastric or duodenal contents.

If acidic contents enter the esophagus (acid reflux), the pH decreases from normal (6.0) to 4.0, if pancreatic juice or bile is released (alkaline reflux), then the pH rises to 7.0 and above. In both cases, catarrhal reflux esophagitis is diagnosed.

A healthy human body forms the following degrees of body protection, which prevent the occurrence of pathology of the esophagus:

If any of the defense mechanisms is violated, reflux esophagitis is formed.

Forms of the disease

catarrhal form disease is considered the mildest and occurs more often than others. With catarrhal reflux esophagitis, the lower layers of the tissues of the esophagus are not affected. In addition to chest pain, heartburn, belching, and swallowing disorders, swelling and redness of the esophagus can be observed. This form of the disease appears due to a violation of the activity of the cardiac sphincter.

erosive form the disease is characterized by inflammation of the inner layers of the mucosa. This form is less common, but it often leads to severe complications such as erosions and ulcers. If treatment is not carried out, it can lead to cancer.

With a distal form Most often, the lower (terminal) esophagus is affected - the place where the esophagus passes into the stomach. This form of the disease may be accompanied by the presence of diaphragmatic hernia.

Causes of reflux esophagitis

The most common causes of pathology are:

• allergic reaction;
• burn with too hot food or irritation after prolonged vomiting;
• viral infection;
• decreased immunity due to bad habits and poor ecology;
• lack of physical activity.

Remember! One of the causes of catarrhal reflux esophagitis is the presence of a diaphragmatic hernia (any movement can lead to the release of gastric juice into the esophagus - even a slight tilt or horizontal position).

Against the background of insufficiency of the cardia, there is a reduced tone of the lower food sphincter or rapid spontaneous relaxation, which causes catarrhal reflux esophagitis. The reasons contributing to the development of hypotension of the hole and the appearance of an anomaly can be as follows:

• frequent use of food and medicines containing caffeine;
• the use of peppermint;
• the use of drugs that lower the tone of the sphincter ("No-shpa", "Papaverine", others);
• anomaly of the vagus nerve;
• smoking;
• alcohol intake, which causes a decrease in tone, and has a direct negative effect on the condition of the esophageal mucosa;
• pregnancy (the development of hypotension occurs due to endocrine changes - an increase in the level of estrogen and progesterone, and due to an increase in pressure in the peritoneum).

The reasons why spontaneous relaxation of the esophageal opening occurs:

• esophageal dyskinesia - a failure in the contraction process, due to which reflux esophagitis is formed when swallowing;
• fast food intake, leading to the swallowing of excess air and an increase in pressure inside the stomach, which causes relaxation of the sphincter;
• hernia of the alimentary canal;
• bloating;
• the formation of ulcerative pathology (usually - 12-colon);
• violation of the patency of the 12-colon;
• the use of fatty, fried foods, bakery products, which creates inhibition of food in the stomach and leads to an increase in pressure inside the stomach.

These factors affect the release of gastric contents, which contain: pepsin, bile acids and hydrochloric acid, leading to damage to the esophageal mucosa.

Symptoms

Catarrhal reflux esophagitis occurs in acute or chronic forms. In the acute course of the disease, there is a general deterioration in health, a slight temperature, increased salivation (hypersalivation), pain after the process of eating, burning in the neck, discomfort in the retrosternal region along the esophagus. The symptoms of reflux esophagitis can be divided into two types: esophageal symptoms and extraesophageal symptoms.

Esophageal symptoms include:

Extraesophageal symptoms include:

1. The appearance of pulmonary syndrome: bronchial asthma. There is a formation of chronic bronchitis, recurrent pneumonia (Mendelssohn's syndrome), a decrease in the lobe of the lung, and a concentration of pus in the lung.
2. The formation of otorhinolaryngopharyngeal syndrome, characterized by laryngitis, otitis, inflammation of the nasal mucosa.
3. The development of dental syndrome - caries, stomatitis, periodontal disease.
4. The development of hypochromic IDA with the development of reflux esophagitis is an anemic syndrome that develops due to erosive transformations in the esophagus, which are characterized by blood loss.

Catarrhal reflux esophagitis can be divided into 4 degrees of severity, depending on the number and area of ​​erosive lesions:

1 degree- when small erosions appear on the walls of the esophagus, which are accompanied by discomfort and pain of a dull nature.

For 2nd degree severity is characterized by the fusion of erosions, which causes heartburn and intense discomfort in the chest area.

Third degree severity is characterized by the appearance of large erosions, severe pain, recurrent nausea and heartburn.

The most severe stage of the disease is 4, which is accompanied by an ulcer or gastritis, which can provoke the appearance of a malignant tumor.

Diagnostics

The first step in diagnosing is a personal examination of the doctor and a patient interview. Further, various instrumental and laboratory studies are assigned:

• esophagogastroduodenoscopy. This study helps to diagnose esophagitis, peptic ulcer, mucosal erosion. This examination is carried out after the ECG;
• X-ray of the esophagus and stomach. To carry out this research method, a contrast agent (barium sulfate) is used, which is used while standing, after which the patient takes a horizontal position, the barium returns to the esophagus, which indicates the presence of reflux esophagitis. In addition, fluoroscopy shows an enlarged lumen of the esophagus, an altered relief of the gastric mucosa and other signs;
• esophagomanometry. A method for measuring pressure in the esophagus using balloon probes. In the presence of pathology in the region of the lower esophageal opening, reduced pressure is observed;
• 24-hour intraesophageal pH monitoring. This is the most sensitive technique that can detect the disease. Using this method, the daily dynamics of gastroesophageal emissions and their duration are established;
• using an acid reflux test, which is done with hydrochloric acid injected into the stomach and pH registration with a pH probe;
• ultrasound;
• coprogram;
• Gregersen reaction test(stool test for occult blood);
• general analyzes blood (KLA), urine (OAM).

How to treat catarrhal esophagitis

Although this disease does not really bother the patient, treatment should be carried out not only with the help of diets. Diet as the main treatment gives a good effect only in the initial stages of the disease.

Medications that are prescribed for the diagnosis of catarrhal esophagitis:

• myotropic antispasmodics "No-shpa", "Papaverine" (introduced intramuscularly);
• drugs to reduce acidity - "Omeprazole", "Pantoprazole", others;
• drugs that protect the mucous membrane from the negative effects of acid - alginates, for example, "Solcoseryl";
• antacids that eliminate heartburn, Maalox, Almagel, Rennie, others.

Often, drug treatment is accompanied by such physiotherapeutic methods:

• endoscopic laser therapy;
• hyperbaric oxygenation;
• electrophoresis with novocaine;
• electrical stimulation of the cardia.

If medical treatment does not give the desired effect, or in cases where pneumonia caused by aspiration often occurs, with Barrett's syndrome, strictures and repeated treatments for esophagitis, surgical treatment (fundoplication or esophagofundorhaphy) is prescribed.

During the operation, an endoscopic dissection of the stricture, expansion and bougienage of the esophagus (the introduction of special tubes into the narrowed esophagus) is performed.

Diet

Diet is considered an additional method of treating catarrhal reflux esophagitis. With distal reflux esophagitis, the following nutritional recommendations are given:

1. Every day, 30 minutes before eating, you should drink boiled cool water (1 glass). This lowers the level of stomach acid and protects the esophagus.
2. It is allowed to use a small amount of raw potatoes or 0.5 cups of freshly squeezed potato juice (to reduce the amount of gastric juice).
3. It is forbidden to consume alcoholic beverages.
4. It is not recommended to eat at night, you can not take a horizontal position after eating.
5. Before going to bed, it is advisable to drink a glass of chamomile tea.
6. It is not advised to wear very tight clothes and tighten the belt tightly.
7. In the morning, it is preferable to have breakfast with oatmeal boiled in water or milk.
8. It is recommended to drink rosehip broth, warmed milk.
9. Good - eat sweet fruits (bananas, quince, persimmons).
10. You can drink fermented milk products such as kefir, yogurt and fermented baked milk.
11. The presence in the diet of salty, smoked, canned, fatty foods is prohibited.
12. Food must be warm.
13. It is recommended to eat small portions five to six times a day.

The menu must contain: natural non-acidic juices, jelly, lean meat, vegetables and fruits, cereals, low-fat dairy products.

In addition to dieting, patients should reduce physical activity, avoid forward bending, sudden movements, and tension in the abdominal muscles.

Folk methods of treatment

The use of folk remedies in the treatment of catarrhal reflux esophagitis can be carried out only after consulting a doctor.

Medicinal herbs can be used monocomponent or as part of collections from such plants: calamus root, marshmallow, nettle, St. John's wort, horsetail, calendula, chamomile, dill seeds, yarrow.

The use of herbal decoctions for the treatment of the disease lasts at least 30 days.

To relieve some symptoms in the acute phase of the disease, an infusion of aloe and dill juice is used, which has an anti-inflammatory effect. Take 1 tablespoon per day to relieve pain.

To calm the intestines and reduce the secreted acid, use an infusion with agave juice (30 ml), diluted with a quarter cup of warm water. This mixture is drunk in the morning.

Disease prognosis

The disease, diagnosed in time, responds well to treatment, subject to all medical recommendations. By following the recommendations for nutrition and constant monitoring of the disease, it is quite possible to achieve a long-term remission of the disease or a complete recovery.

Digestive problems are a fairly common occurrence in modern people. Wrong lifestyle, the abuse of junk food and alcohol directly harm this area of ​​the body.

Regular examinations in medical institutions make it possible to detect this disease at an early stage and cure it. Distal catarrhal esophagitis is the most common form of this disease, requiring immediate diagnosis and treatment.

What is this disease

Stomach ailments can be cured at an early stage if you put maximum effort into it. Catarrhal esophagitis is a pathological process that occurs inside the esophagus, in its mucous membrane.

Inflammation of this zone of the body can be localized on the surface of the entire esophagus as a whole or in a separate part of it. Most often, there is a lesion of the distal part, which is the end of the esophagus, where it connects to the stomach.

Often, patients do not know their diagnosis and begin to treat themselves at random, which only worsens the situation, blurring the clinical picture. In order for the therapy to be correct, a thorough diagnosis is required.

When examining in the case of catarrhal esophagitis, the doctor observes significant changes in the condition of the esophageal mucosa.

During gastroscopy, the doctor sees that the inside of the esophagus is swollen, red, this is due to the accumulation of blood cells in the submucosal layer.

The defeat of this area can proceed in different ways, more or less intensely and destructively, but the catarrhal appearance of this ailment is already a problem in the initial stage.

Types of esophagitis:

1. Catarrhal (superficial).
2. Exfoliative.
3. Erosive.
4. Pseudomembranous.
5. Necrotic.
6. Phlegmonous.

There is such a variety of superficial esophagitis as catarrhal reflux esophagitis. This means that the disease has arisen due to the reflux of acidic stomach contents into the esophagus, which irritates the mucous membrane and leads to an inflammatory process in this area.

Causes

There are many reasons for the development of this disease, therefore, before starting treatment, you need to understand the factors provoking this disease. Only by eliminating all the harmful effects on the problem area, you can count on the effectiveness of therapy.

The main provoking factors:

• weakness of a muscle called the sphincter;
• a regular increase in pressure inside the abdominal cavity, which can be observed with regular wearing of tight and tight clothes, during pregnancy, or if body weight has increased greatly;
• diseases of the digestive system;
• eating junk food;
• due to insufficiency of the cardia - a valve that closes the passage between the esophagus and the stomach;
• diseases of infectious origin;
• narrowing of the walls of the esophagus;
• stress and anxiety;
• physical activity immediately after eating;
• mechanical damage, foreign body in the cavity of the esophagus.

Many do not realize how spicy, fried, smoked and other unhealthy food negatively affects the human stomach and esophagus. You need to organize your diet properly to protect the digestive system. Being under stress also affects health in a bad way.

Manifestations

Symptoms of distal catarrhal esophagitis may not appear for a long time, but the pathological process has already begun in the esophagus. You should immediately respond to the first signals of the body that there is a problem in the digestive system.

At the initial stage, the signs cannot be called very obvious, they occur from time to time and do not cause much inconvenience. Then the symptoms will be brighter and begin to bring more and more discomfort.

Symptoms:

1. Burning in chest.
2. Heartburn, sometimes quite painful.
3. Throat sore and itchy.
4. Eructations of sour contents.
5. Pain in the chest.
6. Nausea.
7. Sensation of a lump in the throat.
8. Increased secretion of saliva.

In addition to discomfort, distal catarrhal esophagitis manifests itself in the results of the examination of the patient. The doctor is able to make such a diagnosis on the basis of gastroscopy alone.

Flow forms

This disease can proceed in different ways. It all depends on the extent of the spread of the inflammatory process and the time during which the disease was not diagnosed and treated.

• acute form. It is characterized by an abrupt onset of the disease. A person can simply eat junk food once, which will harm the esophagus. In addition, the use of cold and hot food also affects this area detrimentally and can provoke the onset of the disease. Another cause of acute distal reflux esophagitis is often acid reflux from the stomach into the esophagus.
• Chronic form. This course of the disease is observed with a constant harmful effect on the mucous membrane of the esophagus. If you eat improperly for a long time, drink alcohol and ignore a healthy lifestyle, then it is quite possible to acquire chronic catarrhal esophagitis. It will make itself felt throughout a person's life, since this ailment cannot be completely cured. Subject to all the doctor's recommendations, a person can live and work for a long time without thinking about their diseases.

What is catarrhal esophagitis and how to treat it, the doctor will tell you, self-medication is unacceptable. Among other things, inflammation of this part of the body can also manifest itself in different ways:

1. Mild catarrhal esophagitis practically does not manifest itself.
2. Moderate is diagnosed with minor symptoms of the disease.
3. Expressed declares itself brightly, with the occurrence of all symptoms.

There is such a thing as terminal catarrhal esophagitis. Many are confused by this diagnosis. This is just a designation of the location of the pathological process, which explains that the problem has formed in the esophagus, close to the stomach.

Diagnostics

There are not so many diagnostic methods used for this disease. The patient needs to visit a doctor at the first digestive disorders. The doctor will listen to all the patient's complaints and prescribe the necessary examinations and tests.

What is included in the diagnosis:

1. KLA (general blood test).
2. OAM (general urinalysis).
3. Stomach acid test.
4. Determination of the acidity of the medium by impedance-pH-metry.
5. Ultrasound diagnostics to establish the state of internal organs and exclude tumor formations on the wall of the stomach, duodenum and pancreas.
6. X-ray with suspicion of narrowing of the walls of the esophagus or tumor formation.

After collecting and analyzing all the data received, the doctor may prescribe additional measures for the examination, such as CT.

Traditional treatment

Therapy of catarrhal esophagitis is carried out in several directions. The doctor will tell you how you need to change your lifestyle and diet so that the treatment is beneficial, and its effect is fixed for a long time.

Methods of treatment non-drug:

• after eating, you need to walk slowly for about 30 minutes;
• sleep better on a high pillow;
• do not perform physical gymnastics with an emphasis on the tension of the muscles of the press;
• cannot be transferred;
• diet must be strictly adhered to.

Medications:

1. Histamine H2 receptor blockers.
2. Prokinetics.
3. proton pump inhibitors.
4. Antacids.

In some cases, medication therapy does not bring tangible results, then the disease may progress further, and doctors will have to apply surgical treatment.

Folk methods of treatment

The use of drugs is necessary for this ailment in any case, however, folk recipes can enhance the effect of medicines. Independently, without consulting a doctor, alternative methods of treatment cannot be used.. Only a doctor can calculate all the risks, because the characteristics of the disease in a particular person.

There is a wide range of home treatments to choose from. There are some that have been popular for a long time:

• 1 way. Potato juice. This remedy must be freshly squeezed. Taking half a glass of this juice a couple of times a day can reduce unpleasant symptoms and remove heartburn. Among other things, this liquid contains a lot of useful substances.
• 2 way. Aloe juice. This folk remedy is considered very effective. You need to squeeze 7-8 drops and drink them before or after meals. The consistency of this remedy is such that it well envelops the walls of the esophagus, leaving a thin film that prevents negative influences.
• 3 way. Sea buckthorn oil. In any pharmacy you can buy this remedy, the main thing is that it be natural. Drink half an hour before meals and half an hour after meals 1 teaspoon of sea buckthorn oil. The condition will improve quickly as inflammation decreases and tissues begin to repair.
• 4 way. A decoction of rose hips. The beneficial properties of this plant allow you to activate the body's defenses to fight any ailment, including catarrhal esophagitis. Brewing and drinking such a decoction is very useful, it heals wounds well and saturates the body with vitamins.

In addition, there are many recipes for herbal teas, taking which, you can significantly improve your condition and cure almost any disease. Chamomile, motherwort, pine buds, lemon balm and other herbs are grouped into collections, they are brewed and these infusions are drunk for a long time.

Diet

Nutrition can be called the main component of the treatment of esophagitis of any course. There are many recipes for a variety of dishes, which include healthy foods that improve the healing of the esophageal mucosa. There are products that are harmful to a person suffering from such a disease.

Healthy food:

1. Vegetable soups.
2. Kasha cooked in water.
3. Mashed potatoes.
4. Boiled pasta.
5. Meat of low-fat varieties, steamed, boiled.
6. Fish in boiled or baked form.
7. Vegetable oil for dressing.
8. Jelly with berries.
9. Marmalade.

In any case, the diet for each patient with catarrhal esophagitis is individual. Nutrition must be fully coordinated with the attending physician.

Junk food:

1. Everything is fried.
2. Fatty meals.
3. Sour sauces, vinegar.
4. Coffee Tea.
5. Smoked meats, sausages and more.
6. Salty.
7. Very hot and cold food and drinks.
8. Alcohol.
9. Onion and garlic.

In addition to the composition of food, a few more points are important. Before eating (half an hour) you should drink a glass of water at room temperature. After eating, you can not take a horizontal position so that acid is not thrown into the esophagus. Physical activity is allowed only after 1 hour after eating.

The doctor will tell you in detail about all the nuances of treatment. If they are followed, the result of treatment will be positive and fast.

Catarrhal esophagitis is only the initial stage of this pathological process. It is important to stop the development of the disease in time so that it does not become severe and incurable.