Kim Kardashian Reveals Esophagitis Diagnosis in New 'Kardashians' Trailer
The reality television personality shared her health update in a trailer for the upcoming season of her family's Hulu series, leading to discussions about the condition and its potential link to her late father's cause of death.
Kim Kardashian has revealed a diagnosis of esophagitis in the trailer for the eighth season of "The Kardashians," which was released on Thursday.
In the clip, Kardashian states, "I have something called esophagitis." The trailer also features a family member asking if her late father, Robert Kardashian, died from the same condition, to which she replies, "Yeah."
Esophagitis is a condition characterized by swelling, inflammation, or irritation of the esophagus, the tube connecting the mouth to the stomach, according to MedlinePlus, a health resource from the National Library of Medicine. It is often caused by gastroesophageal reflux, or GERD, where stomach fluid flows back into the food pipe.
Symptoms can include coughing, difficulty or pain when swallowing, heartburn, hoarseness, and a sore throat. Factors that may increase the risk of developing esophagitis include alcohol consumption, smoking, chest surgery or radiation, vomiting, lying down after a large meal, and obesity. Additionally, taking certain medications like potassium tablets or vitamin C without sufficient water can elevate risk.
Treatment for esophagitis varies depending on the cause and may involve medications to reduce stomach acid, antibiotics or antifungals for infections, specific medications to treat pill-induced esophageal damage, and dietary modifications. MedlinePlus notes that the disorders causing esophageal inflammation typically respond to treatment.
Kim Kardashian's father, Robert Kardashian, a defense attorney known for his role in the O.J. Simpson trial, died of esophageal cancer in September 2003, just two months after his diagnosis. Esophageal cancer occurs when malignant cells form in the esophagus. The National Cancer Institute indicates that adenocarcinoma of the esophagus is strongly linked to GERD. While esophagitis itself is not considered a precancerous condition, prolonged GERD can lead to Barrett's esophagus, a disorder where stomach acid damages the esophageal lining, potentially leading to cancer.
Barrett's esophagus may require treatment such as surgery or other procedures. Esophageal cancer treatments can include surgery, radiation therapy, laser therapy, chemotherapy, or immunotherapy.
Season 8 of "The Kardashians" is scheduled to premiere on Oct. 8 on Hulu and Hulu on Disney+.