There is no charge to participants for any testing, services or medications related to the study. The main symptom of erosive esophagitis is severe heartburn. The condition is the result of gastroesophageal reflux, where stomach contents move back into the esophagus due to problems with the lower esophageal sphincter muscle, which normally stops the backflow. This can cause inflammation and ulceration of the esophagus. The inflamed lining is more sensitive to acid, and reflux produces severe, painful heartburn.
Erosive esophagitis is often a stubborn problem to treat.
Over time, scarring and narrowing of the esophagus may cause difficulty swallowing. More than 60 million American adults experience gastroesophageal reflux at least once a month, and about 25 million adults suffer daily from heartburn. While heartburn is the classic symptom for reflux disease, the condition also can cause difficult or painful swallowing, regurgitation and belching. Dietary and lifestyle choices may contribute to esophageal reflux. Certain foods and beverages, including chocolate, peppermint, fried or fatty foods, coffee or alcoholic beverages, may weaken the lower esophageal sphincter muscle causing reflux and heartburn.