Esophagitis

Esophagitis is an inflammation of the esophagus.  Described as painful, irritated throat or as a "lump" in the throat.Accompanying symptoms include: indigestion, esophageal reflux, belching, feeling of fullness and early satiety.

Management:

• Easy to swallow semisolid or soft-food diet
• Avoid spicy, acidic, hard, rough-textured foods
• Avoid raw foods or foods that contain skin or seeds
• Cool or room temperature foods better tolerated (soothing)
• Concentrate while eating, chewing, swallowing and breathing
• Allow up to 1-2 minutes between bites.
• Modify dishes to be more tender, dice meats and vegetables, add foods to cream soups, soft-cooked noodles or rice, add creamy smooth sauces.
• Frozen-juice pops with non-acidic juices, nectars, sport drinks, liquid nutrition supplements, soft drinks
• Smoothies with fruits such as melon, banana, peaches or kiwi.  For extra protein, add yogurt, frozen yogurt, milk, ice cream or silken tofu.
• Increasing protein in any recipe: use dried powdered milk, powdered egg whites, protein powder.
• Use heavy cream or coconut milk to increase calories
• Add cornstarch, instant mashed potato flakes, baby cereals, gelatin or commercial thickeners to thicken food.
• Use baby food as a sauce or as an ingredient within a recipe
• For sore throat: mix 3/4 teaspoon salt and 1 teaspoon baking soda dissolve in 1 quart water.  Gargle the solution as needed
• MMW, sprays, lozenges that help soothe