Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is the most common form of esophagitis. It has a very high prevalence in Western society, with about 10% of adults over the age of 30 having symptoms three or more times per week. Other important, but less common, types of esophagitis include infectious esophagitis. The most common infectious agent in esophagitis is herpesviruses or candida. Less common causes of esophagitis include radiation esophagitis and a direct erosive esophagitis caused by, among other mechanisms, ingested medications not passing or ingestion of a corrosive agent (eg, strong alkalis in liquid and granular forms). Eosinophilic esophagitis has also emerged as an important cause of esophagitis in both children and adults.
The prognosis of all types of esophagitis is generally good, provided that it is diagnosed and treated appropriately, although GERD can have long-term complications.
Can you recognize various forms and causes of esophagitis, and are you familiar with best practices for workup and management? Test your knowledge with this quick quiz.
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Cite this: B.S. Anand, John W. Birk. Fast Five Quiz: Esophagitis - Medscape - Dec 21, 2022.
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