(1) The close association between hiatus hernia and the symptoms of reflux esophagitis , observed long ago, led to the belief that such hernias cause reflux.(2) Symptoms and signs of purging habits include reflux esophagitis , abdominal cramping, diarrhea, and rectal bleeding.(3) All patients underwent endoscopy before randomization, and those with severe esophagitis , peptic ulcer disease, Barrett's esophagus or other serious conditions were excluded from the study.(4) If heartburn goes on long enough, it can lead to esophagitis (an inflamed lining of the esophagus).(5) The second group was recruited for histologic comparison and consisted of patients undergoing endoscopy for dyspepsia who had no evidence of esophagitis , ulcer disease or cancer.
