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" Question My doctor has suggested that I might be suffering from oesophagitis.  I&amp;amp;#8217;ve been experiencing soreness and tightness in the food pipe. He has eliminated angina.  Please can you tell me what can cause this condition?   Answer Oesophagitis is essentially inflammation of the gullet (oesophagus) and is most usually caused by acid splashing onto it.  This is stomach acid &amp;amp;#8211; extremely corrosive and strong stuff &amp;amp;#8211; which &amp;#039;leaks&amp;#039; through the valve between the gullet and the stomach and inflames the sensitive lining of the oesophagus.  This is usually known as reflux and is often felt as a burning pain behind the breastbone, especially when bending down.  If this happens repeatedly, the inflammation in the gullet can cause the sensation of narrowing so that food seems to go down with more difficulty, and in very severe cases it can actually physically narrow.  I am pleased that angina has been eliminated, since reflux and angina can sometimes appear identical as far as symptoms are concerned, and for most people treatment consists of lifestyle alteration and medication such as antacids.  If you are a smoker &amp;amp;#8211; stop! This is a priority here. Avoid spicy foods or any foods that seem to make the problem worse and reduce your intake of alcohol (especially spirits) since this often worsens this problem.  Lose weight if you can as weight gain is often the trigger for symptoms developing, and if you raise the head of your bed too it often helps.  Although these do not seem to apply in your case, &amp;#039;danger signs&amp;#039; include meat and food sticking and having to be regurgitated, weight loss, vomiting and loss of appetite.  If any of these occur, contact your GP.  I hope this information has been of use.  Yours sincerely The NetDoctor Medical Team   Other Qs &amp;amp; As Diverticular disease Diverticulitis Diverticulitis Duodenal ulcer Gallstones Gallstones and a low fat diet Gastroenteritis H. pylori Helicobacter Hiatus hernia I crave bread and chocolate Lactose intolerance Leaky gut Operations to assist weight loss Polyps in the large intestine Test for food sensitivity What is a Zenker&amp;#039;s diverticulum?   Last updated 27.01.2015 "^^<http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema#string>
<http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/ask-the-expert/digestive-health/a4746/oesophagitis/>