Drug-Induced Esophagitis

Excerpt

Drug or pill-induced esophagitis is esophageal mucosal injury caused by the medications and usually refers to a direct toxic effect on esophageal mucosa by the culprit medication. Common symptoms include retrosternal pain, dysphagia, or odynophagia. It was first reported in 1970 by Pemberton when a patient was found to have esophageal ulcers after taking potassium chloride tablets. Drugs can be damaging to the esophageal wall by having a direct toxic effect on the esophageal mucosa, which produces a caustic effect by creating an acidic or alkaline environment. Drug-induced esophagitis can be self-limiting esophagitis, but if persistent, then it can lead to complications such as severe ulceration, strictures, and rarely even perforation. Gastroesophageal reflux disease can aggravate drug-induced esophagitis. This activity will review Drug-induced esophagitis clinical manifestations, etiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management.