Children are advised not to smoke because it is bad for them but do you know that smoking in this age group can lead to esophagitis? This information takes a minor role or none at all in anti-smoking campaigns especially when smoking is a major killer globally and respiratory problems are so common. Most people are aware of the cancer risk and the likelihood of chronic obstructive airways disease with smoking but it is a fact that young smokers are prone to esophagitis.

Nicotine relaxes the lower esophageal sphincter in children and when this happens, acid stomach contents reflux up into the esophagus. In addition nicotine that separates from the inhaled smoke and deposited in the mouth when swallowed is corrosive to the esophageal lining. This causes injury. The inflamed esophagus is then subjected to acid reflux from the stomach when the nicotine relaxes the lower esophageal sphincter.

Acid reflux treatment works to reduce the problem by reducing the acid content of the refluxate and avoiding further injury. It is better to stop smoking rather than continue acid reflux treatment while continuing smoking.

Dr. Phil Hariram.