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Crohn's Esophagitis
Crohn's esophagitis is a rare form of Crohn's disease that inflames the esophagus, causing painful swallowing, chest discomfort and potential complications. At GastroDoxs in Houston, Dr. Nghia Nguyen offers diagnosis, personalized treatment plans and advanced endoscopic therapies to restore health.
Dr. Nghia Nguyen, DO, is a board-certified gastroenterologist providing advanced digestive care in the Greater Houston area. He earned his medical degree from the Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed both his Internal Medicine residency and Gastroenterology fellowship at the University of Texas at Rio Grande Valley. Dr. Nguyen specializes in treating conditions such as acid reflux, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and liver disorders.
What Is Crohn's Esophagitis?
Crohn's esophagitis is a rare form of Crohn's disease in which the lining of the esophagus becomes inflamed. This inflammation can make swallowing painful, cause chest discomfort, and lead to other complications if left untreated.
Common Causes and Risk Factors
Autoimmune dysfunction - the immune system attacks healthy esophageal tissue
Genetic predisposition - a family history of Crohn's disease
Smoking - can worsen esophageal inflammation
Stress, poor diet, and certain medications that may trigger flares
Signs and Symptoms
Pain or burning sensation when swallowing (odynophagia)
Sensation of food getting stuck in the throat (dysphagia)
Chest pain or persistent heartburn
Nausea or vomiting after meals
Unintentional weight loss and decreased appetite
How Dr. Nghia Nguyen Diagnoses Crohn's Esophagitis?
Dr. Nguyen uses a step-by-step approach:
Symptom Assessment and Medical History
He reviews your epigastric pain, difficulty swallowing, weight changes and family history of Crohn's or autoimmune disease.
Upper Endoscopy
An endoscope is passed into your esophagus to look for inflammation, ulcers or strictures.
Biopsy
Small tissue samples are taken during endoscopy to confirm Crohn's-related inflammation and exclude infections or other causes.
Imaging Studies
Esophagram (barium swallow) evaluates swallowing mechanics and detects narrowing.
CT or MR enterography checks for inflammation elsewhere in the GI tract.
Additional Tests (if needed)
Blood work measures inflammatory markers, checks for anemia and rules out other conditions mimicking Crohn's esophagitis.
Treatment
Our Team offers a full range of care for Crohn's esophagitis.
1. Lifestyle and Diet Modifications
Eat soft, small meals to reduce esophageal irritation
Stay well-hydrated to ease swallowing
Avoid spicy, acidic, or very hot foods
Quit smoking to lower inflammation
Manage stress with gentle exercise or relaxation techniques
2. Medications
Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) to reduce stomach acid
Steroids for short-term inflammation control
Biologics or immune-modulating drugs for long-term disease management
Pain relief options as needed to ease discomfort
3. Minimally Invasive or Advanced Procedures
Endoscopic dilation to widen narrowed areas of the esophagus
Stent placement to hold open strictured segments
Intralesional injections to target localized inflammation
Dr. Nghia Nguyen, DO, is a board-certified gastroenterologist providing advanced digestive care in the Greater Houston area. He earned his medical degree from the Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed both his Internal Medicine residency and Gastroenterology fellowship at the University of Texas at Rio Grande Valley. Dr. Nguyen specializes in treating conditions such as acid reflux, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and liver disorders.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is Crohn's esophagitis different from GERD?
Crohn's esophagitis results from immune‐mediated inflammation of the esophageal lining, whereas GERD is caused by stomach acid reflux. An upper endoscopy with biopsy can distinguish between the two.
What causes Crohn's esophagitis?
It develops when an overactive immune system attacks the esophagus. Genetics, smoking, stress, poor diet, and certain medications can increase your risk.
How is Crohn's esophagitis treated?
Treatment typically combines a gentle diet, medications (like PPIs, steroids, biologics), and, if needed, endoscopic procedures such as dilation or stent placement.
How fast will I feel better?
Many patients notice symptom relief within a few weeks of starting therapy. Achieving long-term control may take several months and ongoing follow-up.
Can I treat it with diet only?
A soft, low‐irritant diet can ease swallowing, but most people also require medications or procedures to fully manage inflammation.
Is endoscopic dilation safe?
Yes. In experienced hands, dilation has a low risk of bleeding or small tears. Dr. Nguyen uses advanced techniques to minimize complications.
When should I see a GI specialist?
If you have persistent pain when swallowing, chest discomfort, or unexplained weight loss, schedule an evaluation promptly. Early diagnosis leads to better outcomes.
