That acid always causes abrasion is a common fact. Our stomach too produces various kinds of acids. The acids produced by the stomach aids in the digestion of the food and the break up of fats, carbohydrates and proteins. Gastric acid, bile acid, hydrochloric acid (Yes! The same HCL available in chemical shops.) are some of the acids produced by the body. These acids are responsible for esophageal erosion. How can stomach acids erode the esophagus will be your next question. Well, the reason is acid reflux
In a normal person the lower esophageal sphincter shuts tightly after allowing the food the entry of the food into the stomach. The lower esophageal sphincter is a joining link between the esophagus and the stomach. It works like a one-way valve and allows the food to enter into the stomach but does not allow anything from the stomach to enter back into the esophagus. Thus it is tight lid, which does not allow the stomach contents including the stomach acids to slip into the esophageal area. However certain factors disrupts the functioning of the LES and the stomach acids make an escape from the stomach and enter into the esophagus.
And like any other acids, they start eroding the esophagus. This condition is termed as esophagitis. Irritation, inflammation and erosion of the lining of the esophagus are some of the conditions associated with esophagitis.
Though, studies have shown that only 20% of the cases become chronic which is one of the major causes of esophagitis, GERD or acid reflux as it is commonly known should not be left untreated. Chronic acid reflux gradually corrodes the esophagus. This leads to the occurrences of ulcers. The ulcers can be deep or shallow depending upon the contact time with the stomach acid. Sometimes they can lead to a complete erosion of the lining of the esophagus.
A person suffering from esophagitis finds it difficult to swallow food. People experience pain when the food reaches the affected part of the esophagus. It also causes dysphagia, which is a condition wherein, the lower esophagus narrows down considerably and the food gets stuck in the esophagus. Vomiting blood, black stools, and anemia are some of other symptoms of esophagitis.
Treatment for esophagitis means treating acid reflux. Medication is often advised to those suffering from esophageal erosion. Patients are recommended the use of proton pump inhibitors. These drugs decrease the amount of acid produced in the stomach. With less of acidity reaching the esophagus, the esophagus initiates a kind of self –healing process.
Surgery is another option, which aids in the recovery of the esophagus. Surgeries like ‘Fundoplication’, which is often used in treatment of GERD also proves useful in the treatment of esophagitis or esophageal erosion as it prevents the backflow of the acid into the esophagus and thus aids it recovery.
Esophageal erosion is thus caused by acid reflux and can be cured by having proper medication and surgery.