Understanding Your GERD & Esophagitis: EGD Report Explained

Question
Hi, reflux still not settling down.  Got the EGD report.  Can you possibly tell me in laymans terms how serious this is?  The esophageal mucosa was normal.  Distal esophagus showed mild inflammation and redness.  The patient has a hiatal hernia with a moderate to moderately poor les.  Impression:  Gerd and mild distal esophagitis.  

Ok, here are my questions.  Is mild esophagitis serious?  I was diagnosed with reflux 10 years ago with no esophagitis and until one morning (6 months ago) boom I woke up with these symptoms.  It also came with what feels like gas stuck alot in the transverse colon.  Wondering if since I have that every day that could put pressure on diaphram causing the reflux to get worse.  Meds don't seem to be helping.  No matter how much I take.

Answer
no, mild esoph is not serious.... it should be able to be treated with drugs such as Zantac, or Prilosec.  Smoking and alcohol worsen the situation.  if you stay on a decent diet, stop cigs and alcohol, and take a drug like zantac 150 twice a day or Prilosec 20 mg daily (on an empty stomach) that should stop the symptoms....