Risk Factors. Some individuals are at an increased risk of developing esophagitis than others. Individuals who have leukemia, lymphoma, diabetes, HIV or AIDS, and hiatal hernia have a compromised immune system that increases the probability of developing esophagitis. Individuals who are being treated with chemotherapy drugs, chest radiation therapy, surgery to the chest region, immunosuppressant drugs (to prevent organ transplant rejection), and anti-inflammatory medications are also at an increased risk of developing this condition. In addition, individuals who experience chronic vomiting, excessively consume alcohol, regularly smoke, or have a familial history of esophagitis or allergies are more likely to develop esophagitis than others. Individuals with strong immune systems have a decreased risk of developing inflammation of the esophagus.
