An esophageal ulcer is a break or sore in the lining of the esophagus, the tube that carries food from your throat to your stomach. It can cause pain, bleeding, and scarring if not treated promptly, making swallowing difficult and uncomfortable.
Early on, you may not notice much, but as the ulcer progresses, you might experience:
Several factors can damage the esophageal lining and lead to ulcers:
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An esophageal ulcer is a painful sore or break in the lining of the food pipe (esophagus), often caused by acid damage or infection.
Common causes include chronic acid reflux (GERD), NSAIDs or aspirin use, infections (like H. pylori or Candida), radiation therapy, and corrosive chemical ingestion.
Typical symptoms include burning chest or upper abdominal pain, pain with swallowing, acid reflux (especially at night), nausea, vomiting, and unexplained weight loss.
While you can ease discomfort with a soft, bland diet and by avoiding triggers (spicy foods, caffeine, alcohol), true healing requires prescribed medications such as PPIs or H2 blockers and professional follow-up.
The ICD-10 code for an esophageal ulcer is K22.1, used for medical records and insurance billing.
Opt for soft, non-irritating foods like oatmeal, bananas, steamed vegetables, lean proteins, and avoid acidic, spicy, or fatty items that can aggravate the ulcer.
Pain is usually felt behind the breastbone or in the upper abdomen, often triggered or worsened by swallowing or lying down after eating.
Yes. Bleeding may present as vomiting blood or having black, tarry stools. Seek immediate medical attention if you notice these signs.
With appropriate treatment-medications, diet adjustments, and follow-up care-most esophageal ulcers heal within 4 to 8 weeks.
If you experience severe chest pain, persistent trouble swallowing, signs of bleeding, or unexplained weight loss, schedule an appointment with a gastroenterologist promptly.
