K20-K31: Diseases of oesophagus, stomach and duodenum

K20: Oesophagitis

Oesophagitis refers to inflammation or swelling of the oesophagus, the tube that connects your mouth to your stomach. This condition typically results from infections, allergies, or regular backflow of acid from the stomach, also known as acid reflux. The common symptoms of oesophagitis may include difficulty swallowing (dysphagia), heartburn, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, and feeling of food stuck in the throat (globus sensation). If left untreated, the condition can lead to complications like scarring or narrowing of the oesophagus, which may further affect the passage of food from the mouth to the stomach. The digestive system, particularly the oesophagus, is directly affected by this condition.