What are the symptoms of cervical esophagitis?
Cervical Esophagitis
Cervical esophagitis typically refers to inflammatory lesions of the esophageal mucosa occurring in the neck region. Generally, it can be classified into acute and chronic phases, each characterized by distinct symptoms.
Acute Phase
1. Dysphagia: Inflammation can lead to esophageal spasms or narrowing, causing difficulty in swallowing.
2. Pain and Discomfort: During meals, food irritates the inflamed area, eliciting pain, which can be severe, akin to a burning sensation, accompanied by discomfort such as retrosternal pain.
3. Reflux Cough: Excessive gastric acid secretion can cause reflux of stomach contents into the throat, triggering reflux cough and other symptoms.
4. Hoarseness: If refluxed material enters the larynx, it can affect the vocal cords, leading to hoarseness.
Chronic Phase
1. Chest Tightness and Shortness of Breath: Prolonged disease may exacerbate conditions, inducing complications like chronic bronchitis and atelectasis, which can manifest as chest tightness and shortness of breath.
2. Nausea and Vomiting: Some patients may also experience nausea, vomiting, and belching.
3. Loss of Appetite: As the condition progresses, it can disrupt normal eating habits, resulting in loss of appetite.
Apart from these common symptoms, there may also be manifestations such as indigestion, weight loss, and anemia. Patients are advised to promptly seek medical attention for relevant examinations and follow doctors' instructions in taking medications like Omeprazole Enteric-coated Capsules or Rabeprazole Sodium Enteric-coated Tablets.
In daily life, it's essential to maintain a balanced diet, favoring light and easily digestible foods while avoiding spicy and greasy meals to prevent adverse effects on the body.