Severe Reflux-Induced Esophagitis

Severe reflux-induced esophagitis is a condition characterized by esophageal inflammation caused by acid and biliary reflux. The process leads to different degrees of esophageal damage with respective clinical presentations, which range from acute pain and severe debilitating dysphagia to life-threatening adenocarcinoma. Early intervention is essential in order to avoid irreversible damage, and since symptoms alone are not always reliable to identify progression of disease, it is important to monitor patients with predisposing risk factors. Depending on the severity of the disease, several options for treatment are available, ranging from medication to endoscopic and surgical therapy.