Esophologitis

  The Doctor who conducted my esophologram thinks I may be suffering from esophogilitis.  Could this possibly be connected to a potassium deficiency?  I have been researching the effects of potassium to the soft tissue in the body, quite as big an impact as calcium to bone.  Today I ate a banana, something I haven't done in some time, and I seemed to have some temporary relief of my symptoms.  Am I imagining this? I am still waiting for my Doctor to call me with his opinion from the test which was conducted on 9/4.  Has anybody ever had a reaction to barium?
Dear Cindy,
Potassium tablets can be irritating to the lower esophagus and cause a pill esophagitis. Hypokalemia (low potassium level) does not seem to be an important factor in the development of esophagitis. Esophagitis is an inflammatory process that comes about when the lower esophagus is damaged by refluxed acid or other irritants (caustic alkalis, radiation, infectious organisms). An esophagram can detect more severe forms of esophageal inflammation but not milder cases. Many foods and medications have been shown to exacerbate symptoms associated with gastroesophageal reflux disease and esophagitis such as spicy foods, peppermint, chocolate, fatty foods, onions, tomatoes, citrus fruits, caffeine. One danger with barium ingestion is that it can be aspirated into the lungs and cause irritation. Most patients tolerate barium without difficulty. I hope you find this information helpful.
This response is being provided for general informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice or consultation. Always check with your personal physician when you have a question pertaining to your health.
If you would like to be seen at our institution please call 1-800-653-6568, our Referring Physicians' Office and make an appointment to see Dr. Muszkat one of our experts in Gastroenterology.
HFHSM.D.-ym
*Keywords: esophagitis