From the Research
Risk factors for esophagitis include immunocompromised states, particularly HIV infection, as well as the use of certain medications, and lifestyle factors such as alcohol consumption and tobacco use, with the most recent and highest quality study 1 highlighting the importance of lifestyle and dietary factors, including excessive body weight, moderate to high alcohol consumption, and smoking, in the development of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) symptoms, which can contribute to esophagitis. The most significant risk factors for esophagitis can be categorized into several groups, including:
- Immunocompromised states, such as HIV infection, which increase the risk of infectious esophagitis, particularly with Candida, herpes simplex virus, and cytomegalovirus, as noted in studies 2, 3, 4
- Medications, such as NSAIDs, bisphosphonates, antibiotics, and potassium chloride supplements, which can directly irritate the esophageal lining or contribute to the development of esophagitis
- Lifestyle factors, including:
- Alcohol consumption and tobacco use, which can directly irritate the esophageal lining
- Obesity, which increases intra-abdominal pressure and exacerbates reflux
- Hiatal hernias, which can anatomically compromise the lower esophageal sphincter and facilitate acid reflux
- Certain medical conditions, such as scleroderma and other connective tissue disorders, which can impair esophageal motility, and radiation therapy to the chest and chemotherapy, which can damage esophageal tissue
- Eosinophilic esophagitis, an allergic condition triggered by food allergens, which represents another important risk factor, as discussed in study 5 Understanding these risk factors is crucial for prevention and management of esophagitis, which may include lifestyle modifications, medication adjustments, and treating underlying conditions, with the goal of reducing morbidity, mortality, and improving quality of life.