Kim Kardashian discloses esophagitis diagnosis, recalling father's esophageal cancer
The reality star revealed she has esophagitis, a condition distinct from esophageal cancer that claimed her father's life in 2003, during a trailer for the new season of her show.
Kim Kardashian, 45, confirmed she has been diagnosed with esophagitis, an inflammation of the esophagus, in a trailer for the upcoming season of "The Kardashians." The disclosure comes as a reminder of her father Robert Kardashian Sr.'s death from esophageal cancer in 2003. In the preview, Kardashian is shown lying in a hospital bed when a voice off-camera asks about the similarity to her father's illness.
Kris Jenner, who serves as Kardashian's manager and mother, responded emotionally, saying:
"I can’t. It makes me want to cry."
Medical experts noted that esophagitis and esophageal cancer are separate conditions. The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases explains that esophagitis is typically caused by acid reflux, certain medications, infections, or allergies. While chronic inflammation can sometimes lead to Barrett's esophagus—a precancerous state that may increase the risk of adenocarcinoma—most individuals with Barrett's do not develop cancer. The Mayo Clinic advises patients with reflux-related esophagitis to use prescribed acid-reducing medication, avoid trigger foods and drinks, maintain an upright posture after meals, lose excess weight, quit smoking, and seek gastroenterology follow-up if symptoms persist.
Kardashian also referenced a previously disclosed, small unruptured brain aneurysm detected during an MRI, noting that doctors had identified the condition years earlier.