Reviewed by: Dr. Robert Gerke, MD
Dr. Gerke
Dr. Gerke is an internist who practices in Cincinnati, Ohio. He is a member of H.J. Bingham M.D., Inc., and serves on the medical staff of Christ Hospital, Deaconess Hospital, and Bethesda North Hospital. Dr. Gerke received his medical degree in 1990 from the University of Cincinnati, where he also received his bachelor’s in Biology in 1986. He completed his residency in internal medicine at the University of Cincinnati Hospital. Dr. Gerke was certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine in 1993, having been re-certified in 2003.
View ProfileErosive esophagitis is damage or severe inflammation to the esophageal lining. The esophagus is the tube that carries food from your throat to your stomach. Erosive esophagitis is a rare but advanced condition that can be painful and make it hard to swallow.
What Causes Erosive Esophagitis?
Erosive esophagitis is most commonly caused by persistent acid reflux disease (also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD), where stomach acid and juices flow up into your throat. Patients with GERD may experience esophagitis, an inflammation of the esophagus. If acid reflux remains uncontrolled, stomach acid will slowly break down the lining of the esophagus—leading to ulcers, sores, bleeding and other complications—causing erosive esophagitis.
Chronic GERD is the leading cause of erosive esophagitis. Other, less-common causes include the following:
- Bacterial, fungal and viral infections, usually in people with weakened immune systems
- Excessive vomiting
- Surgery
- Pills such as aspirin getting stuck in your esophagus
- Swallowing certain chemicals, such as cleaning solutions
A study suggests that obese individuals with GERD have the greatest risk of developing erosive esophagitis. Individuals with asthma are also high risk.
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