Management of oesophagitis or oesophageal ulcers in palliative care
Management of oesophagitis or oesophageal ulcers depends on the cause.
Oesophagitis following radiotherapy is self-limiting unless complicated by infection.
Oesophagitis due to candidiasis or herpes simplex infection may occur without oral involvement; it should be treated systemically (see the Antibiotic guidelines for oesophageal candidiasis and oesophageal herpes simplex infection).
For symptomatic management of oesophagitis or oesophageal ulcers in patients with palliative care needs, consider:
1lidocaine 2% viscous solution 10 mL orally, 4-hourly lidocaine
OR
2sucralfate 1 g dispersed in 5 mL water orally, 4 times daily.Roark, 1984 sucralfate
Effective management of gastro-oesophageal reflux can also improve symptoms of oesophagitis.
For general information, see Approach to managing swallowing difficulties and oesophagitis in palliative care.