What causes oesophagitis?
Oesophagitis is caused by inflammation of the lining of the oesophagus, due to an infection or irritation. The most common cause is GORD, or gastrooesophageal reflux disease. Other causes of irritation leading to oesophagitis include the following: • Vomiting • Surgery • Medications such as aspirin and other anti-inflammatory drugs • Taking a large pill with too little water or just before bedtime • Swallowing a toxic substance • Hernias • Radiotherapy injury Infections that can cause oesophagitis may be due to bacteria, viruses or fungi. These usually occur because of diseases or other conditions that weaken the immune system, such as AIDS or steroid medications. Infections that cause oesophagitis include: • Candida. This is a yeast infection of the oesophagus caused by the same fungus that causes vaginal thrush. The infection develops in the oesophagus when the body’s immune system is weak (such as in people with diabetes or HIV). It is usually very treatable with antifungal drugs. •
