Esophagitis. symptoms, complications, treatment.

Prevacid

Prevacid
Generic Name: lansoprazole (lan SAW pra zol)
Brand Names: Prevacid, Prevacid I.V., Prevacid SoluTab

What is the most important information I should know about lansoprazole?
• Do not stop taking lansoprazole even if you begin to feel better. Your symptoms may improve before the condition is fully treated.

What is lansoprazole?
• Lansoprazole decreases the amount of acid produced in the stomach.
• Lansoprazole is used to treat and prevent stomach and intestinal ulcers, erosive esophagitis (damage to the esophagus from stomach acid), and other conditions involving excessive stomach acid such as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome.
• Lansoprazole may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.


What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking lansoprazole?
• Before taking lansoprazole, tell your doctor if you ever have liver disease. You may not be able to take lansoprazole, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment..
• The 15 mg and 30 mg Prevacid SoluTabs contain 2.5 mg and 5.1 mg phenylalanine respectively per tablet. Individuals with phenylketonuria may need to monitor their intake of this additive.
• Lansoprazole is in the FDA pregnancy category B. This means that it is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not take lansoprazole without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.
• It is not known whether lansoprazole passes into breast milk. Do not take lansoprazole without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Esophagitis is an inflammation and swelling of the esophagus. It is most often caused by acid-containing stomach contents refluxing back up into the esophagus. The most significant cause of acid reflux is gastroesophageal reflux disease. Other causes of reflux are hernias, vomiting, medications and surgery.

Esophagitis can be caused by other conditions also. These include an infection that can develop in individuals with weakened immune systems, such as caused by HIV or certain medications such as corticosteroids. The infection can be caused by viruses, including herpes and cytomegalovirus, and fungi or yeast, especially Candida infections.

Whether the condition is caused by the irritation from reflux of stomach contents or by infection, in either case the tissues of the esophagus become inflamed.

If left untreated, this condition can become very uncomfortable, and can lead to difficulty when swallowing, ulcers in the esophagus, or scarring of the esophagus. In rare instances, a condition known as Barrett’s esophagus may develop which is a risk factor for cancer of the esophagus.

Symptoms of Esophagitis

  • Difficulty when swallowing
  • Pain when swallowing
  • Burning sensation in the esophagus
  • Acid reflux (heartburn)
  • Oral lesions (herpes)

Tests Performed to Detect Esophagitis

  • Endoscopy, which gives the doctor a direct view of the esophagus
  • Barium swallow, which is x-rays taken in conjunction with a special dye that is swallowed
  • Biopsy of the inflamed tissue
  • Culture of the esophagus

How Esophagitis is Treated

  • Medications to reduce acid if gastroesophageal reflux disease is the cause
  • Antibiotics if an infection is the cause

Prognosis For Those Who Have Esophagitis

Whether the esophagitis is caused by reflux disease or an infection, both usually respond well to treatment.

Complications of Esophagitis

If esophagitis is not treated, it can cause:

  • Severe discomfort
  • Malnutrition or dehydration because of swallowing difficulties
  • Scarring of the esophagus, which can lead to a stricture of the esophagus.
  • In rare cases, Barrett's esophagus, which can lead to cancer of the esophagus
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