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What is an Esophagitis Diet?

D. Jeffress
D. Jeffress

Esophagitis is a disorder that causes painful inflammation and constriction in the esophagus. It is most commonly caused by acid reflux disease, though severe food allergies, throat injuries, or infections can also be responsible for symptoms. After a doctor determines the underlying cause of the problem, he or she may suggest a special esophagitis diet that can help to alleviate uncomfortable symptoms and prevent future complications. An esophagitis diet usually consists of soft foods that do not contain spices and acids. If food allergies are responsible for symptoms, the doctor might try an elimination diet to identify aggravating foods that should be avoided.

People who have severe heartburn that occurs frequently and causes lasting throat pain may be experiencing reflux esophagitis. In addition to taking medications, a patient may be instructed to make major changes to their dietary habits. A common reflux esophagitis diet entails avoiding foods and drinks that seem to make heartburn the worst, such as spicy dishes, alcohol, and citrus fruits. Certain ingredients are more aggravating for some people than others, so establishing an effective diet plan may take several weeks of trial-and-error.

Esophagitis causes inflammation and constriction of the esophagus, the tube through which food passes from the pharynx to the stomach.
Esophagitis causes inflammation and constriction of the esophagus, the tube through which food passes from the pharynx to the stomach.

Allergy tests can reveal a person's most prominent food allergies and help doctors and dietitians assemble a proper esophagitis diet. In order to prevent allergic reactions, a person needs to thoroughly check ingredient lists on manufactured food products and ask about ingredients when dining in restaurants. Once symptoms of esophagitis improve, a doctor may suggest that certain foods be slowly introduced back into the diet to see if they can be tolerated. Some people with chronic esophagitis need to maintain highly restrictive diets that require them to eat meals specially prepared by licensed nutritionists.

Esophagitis is commonly caused by acid reflux disease.
Esophagitis is commonly caused by acid reflux disease.

In addition to following a doctor's orders about an esophagitis diet, a person can further reduce pain and irritation by eating smaller portions and choosing soft foods. Puddings, mashed potatoes, milkshakes, and similar items are much easier to swallow than pieces of meat, nuts, and fresh fruits and vegetables. Soft foods are especially important during severe episodes of esophagitis to avoid causing additional, unnecessary damage to the throat.

Soft foods such as mashed potatoes are ideal for the esophagitis diet.
Soft foods such as mashed potatoes are ideal for the esophagitis diet.

Doctors and dietitians can explain which soft foods are the best for maintaining a nutritious diet. A physician may suggest taking liquid supplements to ensure that the patient receives enough important vitamins, nutrients, and proteins as well. Not all cases of esophagitis can be cured, but most people are able to effectively manage their symptoms for long periods of time by sticking to their recommended diet plans.

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    • Esophagitis causes inflammation and constriction of the esophagus, the tube through which food passes from the pharynx to the stomach.
      By: OOZ
      Esophagitis causes inflammation and constriction of the esophagus, the tube through which food passes from the pharynx to the stomach.
    • Esophagitis is commonly caused by acid reflux disease.
      By: bilderzwerg
      Esophagitis is commonly caused by acid reflux disease.
    • Soft foods such as mashed potatoes are ideal for the esophagitis diet.
      By: anjelagr
      Soft foods such as mashed potatoes are ideal for the esophagitis diet.
    • Fruits and vegetables may be too difficult to swallow for someone on the esophagitis diet.
      By: Profotokris
      Fruits and vegetables may be too difficult to swallow for someone on the esophagitis diet.
    • A doctor can advise a patient on an esophagitis diet, dictating foods that can be eliminated and foods that can be re-introduced to one's diet.
      By: spotmatikphoto
      A doctor can advise a patient on an esophagitis diet, dictating foods that can be eliminated and foods that can be re-introduced to one's diet.
    • Reflux esophagitis may cause frequent throat pain.
      By: JackF
      Reflux esophagitis may cause frequent throat pain.