Ask a doctor - What do you know about the ailment called oesophagitis?

Q. What do you know about the ailment called oesophagitis?

Doctor Answer is medically reviewed by SecondMedic medical review team.

Answered by Secondmedic Expert

Oesophagitis is an inflammatory condition of the oesophagus, a tube responsible for transporting food from the mouth to the stomach. It can be caused by various factors including excessive acid reflux, infections such as viruses and bacteria, autoimmune disorders and allergens. Symptoms commonly associated with oesophagitis include abdominal pain, difficulty swallowing (dysphagia), nausea, chest pain or burning sensation in the chest (heartburn), and chronic coughing.

In terms of diagnosis, your doctor may take several tests to confirm a diagnosis of oesophagitis including endoscopy which involves examining your throat with a thin lighted tube; barium swallow test which uses X-ray imaging to look for abnormalities in the esophagus; biopsy which examines tissue samples taken from the esophagus; pH monitoring which measures levels of acidity in your esophagus; and performing allergy testing if there's suspicion that allergies are contributing to symptoms.

Treatment usually depends on what is causing your condition but options may include lifestyle changes such as avoiding certain foods or drinks that increase heartburn or reflux symptoms; taking medications like proton pump inhibitors(PPIs)or alginates to reduce stomach acid production; managing any underlying infection with antibiotics or antifungals where necessary: dietary modifications such as increasing intake of high-fiber foods like whole grains and vegetables ; eating smaller meals more often throughout the day rather than large meals at once; eating slowly without interrupting digestion process by drinking fluids during mealtime etc.. Surgery may be required in some cases if other treatments fail.

It's important to note that maintaining good hygiene practices like washing hands regularly can help prevent infectious causes of oesaphagitis while also reducing risk factors like improper diets(high fat/sugar content)and smoking/alcohol consumption will help reduce occurrence of this illness significantly!

Read Answer

Q. Hello Doctor, from past 3 weeks I have too much dandruff problem and it cause hair loss will you suggest any best solution for this?

Doctor Answer is medically reviewed by SecondMedic medical review team.

Answered by Secondmedic Expert

Dealing with excessive dandruff leading to hair loss can be frustrating, but there are effective ways to address this issue. Here's what you can do:

1. Switch to a Gentle Shampoo: Opt for shampoos specifically designed for dandruff, containing ingredients like ketoconazole, zinc pyrithione, coal tar, or selenium sulfide. Use these shampoos regularly to reduce dandruff buildup.

2. Scalp Massage: Gently massage your scalp while shampooing to help remove flakes and improve blood circulation, which can promote healthier hair growth.

3. Avoid Hot Water: Wash your hair with lukewarm water instead of hot water, as hot water can dry out your scalp and worsen dandruff.

4. Balanced Diet: Ensure you're eating a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals essential for healthy hair and scalp, such as omega-3 fatty acids, zinc, and B vitamins.

5. Manage Stress: Stress can exacerbate dandruff problems. Practice stress-relief techniques like meditation, yoga, or regular exercise to help manage stress levels.

6. Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse: Consider using diluted apple cider vinegar as a rinse after shampooing. It can help restore the scalp's pH balance and reduce dandruff.

7. Consult a Dermatologist: If the issue persists despite trying home remedies or over-the-counter solutions, seek advice from a dermatologist. They can provide a personalized treatment plan tailored to your specific scalp condition.

Remember, consistency is key when dealing with dandruff. Give these remedies some time to work, as immediate results might not always occur. It's essential to find what works best for your scalp, so don't get discouraged if you don't see immediate improvements.

Taking care of your scalp health not only addresses dandruff but also aids in reducing hair loss associated with this issue. Feel free to incorporate these tips into your routine and observe how your scalp responds. If the problem persists or worsens, seeking professional guidance is always recommended.