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Lifestyle and home remedies
By Mayo Clinic staffDepending on the type of esophagitis you have, you may lessen symptoms or avoid recurring problems by following these steps:
- Avoid food allergens. Read food labels carefully to avoid food to which you have an allergy. Be careful when eating out. Ask about what ingredients are in a dish and how they're prepared.
- Avoid foods that may increase reflux. Avoid foods that you know worsen your symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux. These may include alcohol, caffeine, citrus fruits, tomatoes and spicy foods. Eating smaller meals and not eating for at least three hours before going to bed can help reduce acid reflux.
- Use good pill-taking habits. Always take a pill with plenty of water. Don't lie down for at least 30 minutes after taking a pill.
- Lose weight. Talk to your doctor about an appropriate diet and exercise routine to help you lose weight and maintain a healthy weight.
- If you smoke, quit. Talk to your doctor if you need help ending a smoking habit.
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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