How Is Esophagitis Diagnosed?
Once your doctor has performed a thorough physical examination and reviewed your medical history, there are several tests that can be used to diagnose esophagitis. These include: • Upper endoscopy. A test in which a long, flexible lighted tube, called an endoscope, is used to look at the esophagus. • Biopsy. During this test, a small sample of the esophageal tissue is removed and then sent to a laboratory to be examined under a microscope. • Upper GI series (or barium swallow). During this procedure, x-rays are taken of the esophagus after drinking a barium solution. Barium coats the lining of the esophagus and shows up white on an x-ray. This characteristic enables doctors to view certain abnormalities of the esophagus. How Is Esophagitis Treated? Treatment for esophagitis depends on its cause. Possible treatments include: • Medications that block acid production, like heartburn drugs. • Antibiotics, antifungals, or antivirals to treat an infection. • Pain medications that can be garg
