What is the most common cause of noninfectious esophagitis?

The most common cause of noninfectious esophagitis is gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). In GERD, stomach contents, including acid, flow back into the esophagus, leading to inflammation of the esophageal lining. This condition is prevalent due to various factors, including dietary habits, obesity, and lifestyle choices, which can exacerbate the reflux.

The damage from the acid exposure can result in symptoms such as heartburn, chest pain, and difficulty swallowing, all associated with esophagitis. GERD is often a chronic condition, meaning that the esophageal inflammation can be prolonged, further contributing to the prevalence of noninfectious esophagitis linked to this disease.

Other causes, such as esophageal cancer and hiatal hernia, are less common as they do not occur as frequently as GERD in the general population. While medication-induced injury can also lead to esophagitis, it occurs in specific scenarios such as improper ingestion of certain medications without sufficient water or lying down immediately after taking them, making them less prevalent compared to the chronic nature of GERD.