Esophagitis is a general term for any inflammation, irritation, or swelling of the esophagus, the tube that leads from the back of the mouth to the stomach.

See also:

• Esophagitis Candida
• Esophagitis CMV
• Esophagitis herpes

Esophagitis is frequently caused by the backflow of acid-containing fluid from the stomach to the esophagus, a condition called gastroesophageal reflux. An autoimmune disorder called eosinophilic esophagitis also causes this condition.

The following increase your risk of esophagitis:

• Excessive vomiting
• Medications such as aspirin, ibuprofen, potassium, alendronate, tetracycline, and doxycycline
• Vitamin C supplements
• Surgery or radiation to the chest (for example, treatment for lung cancer)

Persons with weakened immune systems due to HIV and certain medications (such as corticosteroids) may develop infections that lead to esophagitis.

Esophageal infection may be due to fungi, yeast (especially Candida infections), or viruses such as herpes or cytomegalovirus.