Kim Kardashian Discloses Diagnosis of Esophagitis Ahead of New Season
Kim Kardashian announced she has esophagitis, a condition causing inflammation of the esophagus, prompting medical commentary on its types and risks.
Kim Kardashian revealed in a trailer for the upcoming season of her reality series that she has been diagnosed with esophagitis, an inflammation of the esophageal lining. The announcement was accompanied by a scene showing her in a hospital bed, which prompted a reference to her late father Robert Kardashian, who died of esophageal cancer in 2003.
"I have something called esophagitis," Kardashian said in the clip.
Gastroenterologist Dr. Stuart Spechler of Baylor University Medical Center explained that esophagitis has several forms, with reflux esophagitis—linked to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)—being the most common. He noted that the condition arises when stomach acid repeatedly irritates the esophagus, leading to symptoms such as heartburn and regurgitation. In some cases, chronic acid exposure can cause Barrett’s esophagus, a precancerous change that raises the risk of esophageal adenocarcinoma, though the overall cancer risk remains low, especially for women.
"Most patients who have GERD and reflux esophagitis do not have Barrett’s esophagus, and most patients with Barrett’s esophagus do not develop cancer," Dr. Spechler said.
Diagnosis typically involves endoscopy, which allows doctors to visualize the esophagus and obtain tissue samples. Patients with Barrett’s esophagus often undergo regular endoscopic monitoring to detect early signs of increased cancer risk.
The Kardashian family previously supported esophageal health initiatives, helping to open the Robert G. Kardashian Center for Esophageal Health at UCLA in 2019. The center was described as a facility focused on patient-centered treatment, research, and education for esophageal disorders.