Erosion of the esophagus

Diseases of the esophagus do not occur as often as diseases of the stomach or other parts of the digestive system. Nevertheless, these pathologies are just as serious as any inflammatory processes in the body. Erosion of the esophagus is a complex disease, if only because it can be detected only when carrying out a gastroscopy.

Specific symptoms of this disease there, so a person for a while may not even know about the existence of such a disease.

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Causes of erosion of the esophagus

To the erosive lesion of the esophagus may lead to such diseases and conditions:

• increased intra-abdominal pressure;
• weakening of the muscular tone of the esophagus;
• shortening of the esophageal tube as a result of inflammatory-adhesive changes or a tumor process;
• atrophic process of the left lobe of the liver;
• overgrowth of the esophageal diaphragmatic sphincter;
• lack of adipose tissue below the diaphragm of the esophagus, between the thoracic and abdominal cavities;
• disorders in the thoracic spine, for example, kyphosis - bending of the vertebral column posteriorly.

These pathologies create conditions for the formation of axial diaphragmatic hernia (without damaging the diaphragm-esophageal membrane), which contributes to erosion of the esophagus.

[2], [3], [4], [5]

Symptoms of esophagus erosion

Quite often, the course of erosive lesion of the esophagus is asymptomatic, hidden and not expressed. However, in most cases there are complaints of sluggish or sharp soreness behind the breastbone, sometimes giving into the abdominal cavity. Sometimes this pain is taken for an attack of angina pectoris.

Soreness and unpleasant sensations increase during eating, or when the position of the trunk changes - when tilting, running, lying down. Pain can be combined with a feeling of internal pressure, overcrowding - such sensations somewhat decrease in standing position.

Indirect signs of erosion of the esophagus include the following symptoms:

• pain during swallowing (difficulty swallowing);
• eructation;
• frequent hiccough;
• heartburn;
• attacks of nausea and vomiting;
• increased salivation;
• the appearance of an unpleasant odor from the mouth.

Recall that the specific symptoms inherent only in this disease, erosion of the esophagus does not. Therefore, only one clinical picture can not be diagnosed: additional diagnostic studies are carried out for this purpose.

Linear erosion of the esophagus

Erosive lesion is conditionally subdivided into superficial and linear. Linear erosion is the damage to the mucosa with the formation of small ulcers, which later turn into more diffuse foci. Linear erosion, as a rule, is the result of surface erosion that has not been treated. In the study, it is more visible and requires more complex treatment.

With this version of erosion, the mucous membranes of the esophagus are strongly deformed. Unwanted adhesions (scar changes) are formed, which only aggravate the condition and worsen the permeability of the esophageal tube. Often a linear lesion occurs when acidic gastric juice enters the cavity of the esophagus, thereby forming an alkaline environment. Other causes of linear erosion may include:

• chemical burns;
• injury to the mucosa is very rough or spicy food.

Often, the surface process is not manifested by any symptoms. The signs of the disease are more pronounced when the pathology passes to the linear phase.

Consequences of erosion of the esophagus

Despite the unsubstantiated clinical picture of the pathology, erosion is considered quite a serious disease, which can provoke the development of a large number of complications and adverse consequences.

Perhaps the most dangerous complication is damage with the breakthrough of the vessel and the beginning of bleeding in the cavity of the esophagus. The main sign of this condition is the appearance of vomiting with an obvious blood content - vomit masses are scarlet. Most often this complication occurs in male patients prone to alcohol abuse, as well as in heavy smokers and those who are prone to frequent and severe stress. In elderly patients, this condition occurs less frequently than in young adults, but erosion often turns into a mucous ulcer.

Among other possible consequences of erosive lesion of the esophagus, one can note the formation of significant linear damages of the organ tissues:

• deep ulcers of the mucosa;
• thrombosis of the esophagus;
• the appearance of various tumor processes;
• the formation of obstructions, scars, constrictions that interfere with the normal functioning of the esophagus and obstruct blood flow in the esophageal tube.

Given the variety of possible consequences, the treatment of the disease must begin immediately after the diagnosis is established, without losing valuable time.

[6], [7], [8], [9], [10], [11]

Treatment of esophagus erosion

Treatment of the disease should not be done on its own. Since the disease is quite complicated, the procedure and appointments should be determined by the doctor. The patient can only supplement the medicinal treatment with prescriptions of alternative medicine, having consulted with the doctor in advance.

Therapeutic measures with erosive lesions of the esophagus are usually complex, so we will consider all the most common treatment options for pathology.

• Treatment of erosion of the esophagus with drugs includes the use of antacid preparations, biologically active alginates and prokinetic agents.
• Biologically active alginates are produced from brown seaweed, which contain salts of alginic acid and hyaluronic acid. The main properties of alginates are the ability to adsorb exudative discharge, eliminate bleeding, envelop the affected surface, protecting it from unwanted adverse effects. These drugs include, for example, Gaviscon (Gaviscon), which appoint 2-4 tablets for chewing after each meal, as well as overnight. Gaviscon in the suspension is used for 5-10 ml at a time.
• Proton pump inhibitors (Omez, Omeprazole, Nexium) and h²-histaminblockers (Zantak, Gastrosidin, Ranitidine) decrease the secretion of gastric juice, thereby reducing its negative effect on the esophageal walls.
• Prokinetic means Motilium, Ganaton, Cisapride (4 times a day for 10 mg) - facilitate the work of the stomach, increase pressure in the lower esophageal sphincter.
• Antacid preparations (reduce acidity, eliminate the feeling of heartburn and pain, envelop the walls of the esophagus, promoting healing of mucosal lesions) - Maalox, Almagel, Fosfalugel, etc.

Treatment of erosion of the esophagus by alternative means includes the use of herbal preparations and natural supplements to food.

During the treatment it is recommended to drink freshly squeezed potato juice, at least four times a day for 50 ml per reception. The duration of such potato therapy is about 50-60 days. Then you can make a gap in treatment (1-2 weeks), then resume reception. Throughout the year, you can spend up to 4 treatment courses.

No less useful is the carrot juice: it is drunk on its own, or mixed with the potato juice 1: 1.

It is recommended for effective treatment of such medicinal infusion: 2 parts of lime blossoms, 2 hours of marigold and kipreya, 1 hour of horsetail grass, 1 part of dill, valerian rhizome, celandine, St. John's wort, chamomile and immortelle. One Art. A spoonful of mixture is poured into 500 ml of hot water and insisted under the lid (preferably in a thermos) for at least three hours. Further the medicine is filtered and the reception is appointed - 4 r. / Day for 30-35 minutes before a meal of 100 ml.

A good result in healing is natural honey - it helps to tighten erosion and stimulates regenerative processes in the mucosa. The treatment is quite simple: in the intervals between meals use 1 tablespoon of honey. Honey with erosion of the esophagus will help not only to treat the disease, but also to strengthen the body as a whole.

Among other herbs used in the erosion of the esophagus, you can call hawthorn, rhizomes of ayr, rhizome of a mountaineer or dandelion, oregano, corn stigmas. Plants can be brewed separately, or as an arbitrary mixture. Drink 30 ml for 2 months.

Sea buckthorn oil with erosion of the esophagus - this is a fairly common medicine. The oil restores the mucous membrane, accelerates healing, destroys the microbial infection, inhibits the secretory activity of the stomach, envelops the walls of the esophagus, protecting them from the damaging effects of food and various chemicals. When eroding, sea buckthorn oil is consumed in half a tablespoon 3 times a day 15 minutes after eating and at night. Duration of treatment - until complete recovery + another 15-20 days.

Treatment of erosion of the esophagus with linseed oil may be an alternative to sea buckthorn. It is an excellent source of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. However, it should be borne in mind that the shelf life of flaxseed oil is much shorter than that of sea-buckthorn oil, since this type of oil is rapidly oxidized. Such oil is stored only in the refrigerator, in a sealed container, no more than 3 weeks.

Eating with esophagus erosion

• Excessively hot or cold food can significantly worsen a patient's condition.
• Do not advise you to drink water while eating.
• To not affect the acidity of gastric juice, food should be consumed in small portions, but more often than usual - about 6 times a day.
• It is necessary to use simple digestible food, preferably not containing coarse elements, rubbed. It can be a variety of purees, cream soups, cooked in a double boiler meat and fish products, cereals, jelly, jelly, mousse.
• At night, it is desirable to drink 200 ml of fresh milk.
• At the time of exacerbation of the disease, all raw vegetables or fruits are excluded from the diet.

Diet with erosion of the esophagus is applied as follows:

• in an acute period - a therapeutic diet 1a;
• in 10-12 days - treatment table 1b;
• after 20 days - diet number 1.

For the recovery period, the patient is prescribed diet number 1, but the doctor can make adjustments and expand the list of allowed products.

What you can use:

• Boiled, steamed foods in crushed or wiped form;
• warm dishes and liquids;
• dairy.

What can not be consumed:

• fried, baked and fatty foods;
• spicery, sauces;
• hot food;
• ice cream;
• carbonated and alcoholic drinks;
• dry, rough and unprocessed food.

Deviation from the rules of such nutrition and a return to previous habits will in any case lead to the resumption of pain and discomfort.

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Prevention of erosion of the esophagus

Specific prevention of the disease does not exist. It is important in time to identify and treat diseases of the digestive system, in a timely manner and not delaying contacting doctors. Do not engage in self-medication, especially without knowing the diagnosis. All medicines and preparations of alternative medicine should be used only after consultation with a specialist.

With timely access to a doctor, the erosion of the esophagus can be considered favorable. If the disease was started, ulcers and even perforations, surgical treatment may be prescribed, which in the future can affect the quality of life and the nature of the patient's diet.

Erosion of the esophagus requires careful monitoring of the patient, using laboratory and instrumental methods of control. To assess the condition of your esophagus and the likelihood of possible consequences, as well as to develop a curative program, you should visit a doctor and undergo all the necessary diagnostic measures.