This occasionally occurs through occupational exposure (via breathing of fumes that mix into the saliva which is then swallowed) or through pica. It occurred in some teenagers during the fad of intentionally eating Tide pods. By severity
The severity of reflux esophagitis is commonly classified into four grades according to the Los Angeles Classification:

Prevention
Since there can be many causes underlying esophagitis, it is important to try to find the cause to help to prevent esophagitis. To prevent reflux esophagitis, avoid acidic foods, caffeine, eating before going to bed, alcohol, fatty meals, and smoking. To prevent drug-induced esophagitis, drink plenty of liquids when taking medicines, take an alternative drug, and do not take medicines while lying down, before sleeping, or too many at one time. Esophagitis is more prevalent in adults and does not discriminate. Treatment
Lifestyle changes
Losing weight, stop smoking and alcohol, lowering stress, avoid sleeping/lying down after eating, raising the head of the bed, taking medicines correctly, avoiding certain medications, and avoiding foods that cause the reflux that might be causing the esophagitis. Medications
Antacids
To treat reflux esophagitis, over the counter antacids, medications that reduce acid production (H-2 receptor blockers), and proton pump inhibitors are recommended to help block acid production and to let the esophagus heal. Some prescription medications to treat reflux esophagitis include higher dose H-2 receptor blockers, proton pump inhibitors, and prokinetics, which help with the emptying of the stomach.
Antibiotics – doxycycline and tetracycline
Quinidine
Bisphosphonates – used to treat osteoporosis
Steroids
Potassium chloride

Chemical injury by alkaline or acid solutions
Physical injury resulting from nasogastric tubes. Alcohol use disorder – Can wear down the lining of the esophagus. Crohns disease – a type of IBD and an autoimmune disease that can cause esophagitis if it attacks the esophagus. Stress – Can cause higher levels of acid reflux
Radiation therapy - Can affect the immune system. Allergies (food, inhalants) – Allergies can stimulate eosinophilic esophagitis. Infection - People with an immunodeficiencies have a higher chance of developing esophagitis. Vitamins and supplements (iron, vitamin C, and potassium) – Supplements and minerals can be hard on the GI tract. Vomiting – Acid can irritate esophagus. Hernias – A hernia can poke through the diaphragm muscle and can inhibit the stomach acid and food from draining quickly. Surgery
Eosinophilic esophagitis, a more chronic condition with a theorized autoimmune component

Mechanism
The esophagus is a muscular tube made of both voluntary and involuntary muscles. It is responsible for peristalsis of food. It is about 8 inches long and passes through the diaphragm before entering the stomach. The esophagus is made up of three layers:  from the inside out, they are the mucosa, submucosa, muscularis externa. The mucosa, the inner most layer and lining of the esophagus, is composed of stratified squamous epithelium, lamina propria, and muscularis mucosae. At the end of the esophagus is the lower esophageal sphincter, which normally prevents stomach acid from entering the esophagus.