Drug-induced injury

Many medications, such as antibiotics and potassium preparations, are potentially damaging to the oesophagus as tablets may lie in the oesophagus for a long time, especially if taken without an adequate drink. Acute injury presents with dysphagia and odynophagia which may be very severe. The inflammation usually resolves within 2—3 weeks and no specific treatment is required apart from appropriate nutritional support. A stricture may follow the acute injury.