​Oesophagitis

This condition inflames the oesophagus and hence your child with esophagitis may experience:

• Difficulty in swallowing,

• pain,

• nausea,

• regurgitation

• vomiting

• Over time the disease can cause the oesophagus to narrow, which sometimes results in food becoming stuck or impacted within the oesophagus, requiring emergency removal.

• Cough

• Belly pain

• Fever

• Chest pain

• Heart burn

If you notice any of the above symptoms, inform your doctor at the Children’s Hospital Service Line at The Aga Khan University Hospital if you see any of the above symptoms. Our doctors at the Children’s Hospital at The Aga Khan University Hospital will be able to guide you through the prognosis and suggest a relevant form of treatment.​

Your time with your doctor may be limited, so make sure to prepare for your visit beforehand. Here are some tips to help get you started.​

• Endoscopy: The doctor will look into your child’s oesophagus to check for inflammation. It will also help in getting a sample to test for infections, which are then sent for biopsy.

• ​Barium swallow: This is an x-ray of the throat. This happens after your child has consumed a chalky liquid known as barium.​

Treatment primarily includes:

• Change of diet: Chocolates and spicy food can aggravate symptoms. The intake of vegetables and water is very important.

• Do not wear tight clothes near the belly

• Your child will be asked to eat small meals in five to six courses between intervals and avoid huge meals.

• If symptoms appear at night, your child will have to be put to bed while his or her head is on the bed frame. They will not lie down straight; rather they will rest in a 100 degree to 140 degree angle.

• If changes in diet don’t work, then over the counter medicines will be prescribed.​

The Aga Khan University Hospital offers various support services to help with managing or recovering from the disease or condition. These include but are not limited to nutrition, physiotherapy, rehabilitation, specialized clinics and some patient support groups. Your doctor or nurse will advise you accordingly.
 
The Aga Khan University Hospital offers financial assistance to those who are in need and fulfil the eligibility criteria. For further information, you can contact the Patient Welfare Department. You can find the contact number of the Patient Welfare Department in the ‘Important Numbers’ section on the website homepage.
 
The financial counselling staff is available during office hours, at the main PBSD (Patient Business Services Department), to answer your financial queries on treatments’ costs and authorize admissions on partial deposit as per hospital policies allow. The financial counsellor in the emergency room is open 24/7. You can find the contact number of the Patient Business Services in the ‘Important Numbers’ section on the website homepage.

Your doctor and or nurse will give you specific instructions about the prescribed medication. Please ensure that you take or use the prescribed medicine as advised. It can be dangerous to your health if you self-prescribe. Please inform the doctor or nurse beforehand if you have experienced any adverse reactions to any medications in the past. If you experience any symptoms of drug poisoning, overdose or severe reaction please contact the Pharmacy Service at The Aga Khan University Hospital immediately. You can find the contact number of the Pharmacy Services in the ‘Important Numbers’ section on the website homepage.