Common Symptoms of GERD or Erosive Esophagitis

Esophagitis is characterized by an inflammation, irritation or swelling of the throat. Erosive esophagitis is a specific disorder that occurs when gastric acid begins to wear away the delicate inner lining of the esophagus. This sometimes happens when people have acid reflux disease, or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), so erosive esophagitis is a complication of GERD. GERD also is the most common cause of esophagitis.

Frequency

• About one in three people with acid reflux disease eventually develop erosive esophagitis. Both conditions usually are very treatable with medication.

Similar Symptoms

• Some erosive esophagitis symptoms are similar to those of GERD. They include a burning sensation in the chest and throat, small amounts of gastric acid regurgitation and sour taste.

Erosive Esophagitis Symptoms

• The disorder also can cause difficulty or pain in swallowing, with those afflicted feeling like something is stuck in the throat.

Identification

• A physician who looks at the esophagus lining of a person with this disorder will see redness and swelling. If the problem has progressed, inflammation breaks in the lining, and even deep ulcers can be seen.

Age Considerations

• Severity of symptoms often decreases with age even as erosive esophagitis progresses. This may be an age-related decrease in sensitivity to pain.