[Spectrum of esophagitis: etiology, diagnosis, therapy]

Inflammatory changes of the oesophageal mucosa are in the vast majority due to reflux of gastric content. Caustic oesophagitis is rare, however, drug-induced oesophageal injury caused by delayed passage is of increasing importance. Infections by opportunistic saprophytes (candida, herpes virus) are common causes of oesophagitis in immunocompromised patients with dysphagia and odynophagia whereas specific inflammation (Crohn's disease, tuberculosis) is a rarity. Successful therapy demands precise differentiation of the different forms of oesophagitis.