Risk factors

Risk factors for developing esophagitis include:

• weakened immune system due to HIV or AIDS, diabetes, leukemia, or lymphoma
• hiatal hernia (when the stomach pushes through the opening in the diaphragm between the esophagus and stomach)
• chemotherapy
• radiation therapy of the chest
• surgery in the chest area
• medications to prevent organ transplant rejection
• immunosuppressive medications used to treat autoimmune diseases
• aspirin and anti-inflammatory medications
• chronic vomiting
• obesity
• alcohol and cigarette use
• a family history of allergies or esophagitis

Your chance of developing an infection of the esophagus is low if you have a healthy immune system.