Complications
By Mayo Clinic staffLeft untreated, esophagitis can lead to changes in the structure and function of the esophagus. Possible complications include:
- Narrowing of the esophagus (esophageal stricture)
- Rings of abnormal tissue in the lining of the esophagus (esophageal rings)
- Barrett's esophagus, a condition in which the cells lining the esophagus are changed — a condition that's a risk factor for esophageal cancer
References
- Franciosi JP. Eosinophilic esophagitis. Immunology and Allergy Clinics of North America. 2009;29:19.
- Heartburn, gastroesophageal reflux (GER), and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/gerd/index.htm. Accessed Aug. 1, 2011.
- Castell DO. Medication-induced esophagitis. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Aug. 1, 2011.
- Graman PS. Esophagitis. In: Mandell GL, et al. Mandell, Douglas, and Bennett's Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases. 7th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Churchill Livingstone Elsevier; 2010. http://www.mdconsult.com/books/page.do?eid=4-u1.0-B978-0-443-06839-3..00094-1&isbn=978-0-443-06839-3&uniqId=270386537-4#4-u1.0-B978-0-443-06839-3..00094-1. Accessed Aug. 1, 2011.
- Patti MG. Gastroesophageal reflux disease: From pathophysiology to treatment. World Journal of Gastroenterology. 2010;16:3745.
- Geagea A, et al. Scope of drug-induced, infectious and allergic esophageal injury. Current Opinion in Gastroenterology. 2008;24:496.
- Picco MF (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Fla. Aug. 11, 2011.


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