What is Esophageal Ulcer?

Description of the disease

An esophageal ulcer is an ulcer that forms on the mucous membrane of the esophagus. This condition is often caused by excessive alcohol consumption, smoking, overconsumption of spicy and fried foods, stress, and other factors.

Classification

• Ulcerative esophagitis
• Superficial ulcer
• Deep ulcer

Symptoms

• Pain and burning in the chest area
• Difficulty or painful swallowing
• Heartburn
• Feeling of a lump in the throat
• Vomiting blood

Causes

The manifestation of an esophageal ulcer may be associated with the prolonged exposure of aggressive factors to the mucous membrane of the esophagus. These factors include NSAIDs, alcohol, nicotine, stress, and possibly certain viral infections.

Diagnosis

• Esophagogastroduodenoscopy
• Histological examination
• X-ray examination

Treatment

• Prescription of drugs that reduce the acidity of gastric contents
• Antibacterial therapy
• Adherence to a diet that excludes spicy, fried, acidic, and smoked foods
• Surgical treatment in severe cases

Prevention

Avoiding excessive alcohol consumption, smoking, spicy and fried foods, stress management, healthy lifestyle.

Doctor

The disease is treated by a gastroenterologist.