Reflux esophagitis is defined as?

• A. A bacterial infection of the esophagus
• B. An inflammatory response to gastroesophageal reflux
• C. Autoimmune esophageal disease
• D. A peptic ulcer of the esophagus

Answer: (B)

Reflux esophagitis is about inflammation of the esophageal lining caused by irritation from stomach contents that reflux upward into the esophagus. The defining idea is that the injury is a response to the acidic (and sometimes bile-containing) reflux reaching the esophagus, prompting an inflammatory repair process in the esophageal mucosa. This is not an infection caused by bacteria, nor an autoimmune esophageal condition, and it isn’t best described as a peptic ulcer of the esophagus. The inflammation comes from the chemical injury of refluxing gastric contents, which can lead to symptoms like heartburn and, with prolonged exposure, mucosal damage such as erosions.