Esophagus
Esophagitis
Esophagitis-overview
Author: Elliot Weisenberg, M.D.
Last author update: 1 September 2012
Last staff update: 12 December 2023
Copyright: 2003-2025, PathologyOutlines.com, Inc.
PubMed Search: Esophagitis general pathology
Table of Contents
Definition / general | Epidemiology | Etiology | Microscopic (histologic) descriptionCite this page: Weisenberg E. Esophagitis-overview. PathologyOutlines.com website. https://www.pathologyoutlines.com/topic/esophagusesophagitisgen.html. Accessed January 20th, 2025.
Definition / general
- Defined as epithelial damage and inflammation (eMedicine: Esophagitis [Accessed 12 February 2019])
Epidemiology
- 5% to 11% incidence in US, although reflux symptoms in 33 - 44% of general population
- Higher incidence in northern Iran and China
Etiology
- Most common cause is gastroesophageal reflux (reflux of gastric contents into lower esophagus); infectious causes are much less common
Microscopic (histologic) description
- Histologic changes may be severe (erosion, ulcer, exudates) or subtle
