Oesophagitis is inflammation of the oesophagus and may be due to swallowing a corrosive chemical (corrosive oesophagitis) or because the muscles of the lower part of the oesophagus fail to work properly (achalasia), allowing the stomach’s acidic contents to regurgitate (reflux oesophagitis). hiatus hernia is sometimes associated with the latter condition. Diagnosis can be made by endoscopy of the oesophagus and/or an X-ray examination using a barium swallow. Treatment of reflux oesophagitis is by an appropriate diet and weight loss, together with medication such as proton-pump inhibitors.