Esophagitis

Esophagitis is an inflammation and swelling of the esophagus. It is most often caused by acid-containing stomach contents refluxing back up into the esophagus. The most significant cause of acid reflux is gastroesophageal reflux disease. Other causes of reflux are hernias, vomiting, medications and surgery.
Esophagitis can be caused by other conditions also. These include an infection that can develop in individuals with weakened immune systems, such as caused by HIV or certain medications such as corticosteroids. The infection can be caused by viruses, including herpes and cytomegalovirus, and fungi or yeast, especially Candida infections.
Whether the condition is caused by the irritation from reflux of stomach contents or by infection, in either case the tissues of the esophagus become inflamed.