Reflux esophagitis is a manifestation of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). GERD is caused by weakened esophageal sphincter tone or higher pressure in the stomach than in the esophagus. On the other hand, reflux esophagitis is an inflammation caused by long-term and repeated stimulation of the esophageal mucosa by gastric contents on the basis of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), especially in the lower part of the esophageal arm. After gastric acid, pepsin and other enzymes have caused certain damages to the esophagus, ulceration of the esophageal mucosa will occur, and the clinical manifestations will be heartburn, reflux of food, difficulty in swallowing and anemia.

The clinical manifestations of GERD may be the same as those of reflux esophagitis, but the endoscopic manifestations may be nonspecific. Reflux esophagitis is characterized endoscopically by ulceration and exudation of the mucosa, and when the disease progresses further, ulceration, hyperplasia, and stricture may appear, which are precancerous lesions.