For the past month, I've been experiencing a burning sensation in my chest, especially after eating. It often gets worse when I lie down, and sometimes I feel a sour taste in my mouth. I had an endoscopy done, and the results showed inflammation in my esophagus. What could be causing this, and how can I treat it?
Below.
Esophagus Inflammation:Moderate
Gastric pH:2.5
H. Pylori:Negative
LES Function:Reduced
David, a 37-year-old male, has been experiencing a burning sensation in his chest for the past month, especially after eating. The sensation worsens when lying down, and he sometimes has a sour taste in his mouth. An endoscopy showed moderate inflammation in the esophagus, negative H. Pylori, reduced LES function, and a gastric pH of 2.5.
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) (85%) - GERD is a condition where stomach acid frequently flows back into the esophagus, causing irritation and inflammation.
Esophagitis (15%) - This is an inflammation of the esophagus that can be caused by infections, medications, or other conditions.
The symptoms you are experiencing, such as the burning sensation in your chest after eating, worsening when lying down, and the sour taste in your mouth, are classic signs of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD). GERD occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) is weakened or relaxes inappropriately, allowing stomach acid to flow back into the esophagus. The endoscopy results showing moderate inflammation in the esophagus and reduced LES function further support this diagnosis. The gastric pH of 2.5 indicates high acidity, which is typical in GERD. Esophagitis is a less likely but possible diagnosis. It refers to inflammation of the esophagus and can be caused by various factors, including infections, medications, or other conditions. However, the absence of H. Pylori and the presence of reduced LES function make GERD the more likely cause. GERD can be managed with lifestyle changes, medications, and in some cases, surgery. It's important to avoid foods and drinks that trigger symptoms, eat smaller meals, and avoid lying down immediately after eating. Medications such as proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) or H2 blockers can help reduce stomach acid and heal the esophagus. If left untreated, GERD can lead to complications such as esophageal ulcers or Barrett's esophagus.
The endoscopy showed moderate inflammation in the esophagus, which indicates irritation likely due to acid reflux. The negative H. Pylori result rules out a bacterial infection as the cause. Reduced LES function means the valve between your stomach and esophagus is not working properly, allowing acid to flow back into the esophagus. The gastric pH of 2.5 indicates high acidity in the stomach.
This document is not intended as medical advice or a replacement for professional medical consultation. It provides general guidance for initial diagnosis and suggests questions to discuss with a healthcare provider. Always seek personalized medical advice from a qualified physician or healthcare provider. Contact us at hi@doctola.com