9. Smoking: The Ignored Catalyst for Esophagitis
Tobacco smoking has long been implicated in a variety of health issues, but its role in esophagitis is often underestimated. Smoking affects the body’s ability to produce saliva, which plays a critical role in neutralizing stomach acid. Less saliva means more opportunity for stomach acid to irritate the esophagus.
But that’s not the whole story. Smoking also weakens the LES, allowing for backflow of stomach acids into the esophagus. Moreover, the harmful chemicals in cigarette smoke can cause direct irritation to the esophageal lining, setting the stage for inflammation and irritation.
The deleterious effects of smoking on esophagitis are amplified when coupled with other risk factors. Imagine pairing a smoking habit with a caffeine addiction or a fondness for spicy foods. These compound triggers can make esophagitis not just likely, but almost inevitable.(9)
