Kim Kardashian Shares Esophagitis Diagnosis Amid Personal Concerns

Kim Kardashian has recently shared a personal health diagnosis in a new trailer for her show, “The Kardashians.” At 45, the reality star has revealed she is dealing with esophagitis, an inflammation of the esophagus. This news resonates deeply with her given her father, Robert Kardashian Sr.’s death from esophageal cancer in 2003 at age 59.

“Didn’t your father … isn’t it what he died of?” a voice off-camera asks while Kardashian rests on a hospital bed in the trailer, highlighting the emotional connection to her father’s illness.

Kardashian’s mother, Kris Jenner, becomes emotional upon hearing the comparison, expressing her distress, “I can’t. It makes me want to cry.” Yet, experts clarify that esophagitis and esophageal cancer are distinct conditions.

Esophagitis is characterized by inflammation of the esophagus — the muscular tube that transports food from the throat to the stomach. It can be triggered by acid reflux, certain medications, infections, or allergies, as noted by the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK).

In contrast, esophageal cancer occurs when malignant cells form in the esophagus’s tissue lining, leading to two primary types: squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma, according to the National Cancer Institute.

While esophagitis doesn’t directly cause cancer, chronic inflammation might contribute to Barrett’s esophagus, a precancerous condition heightening the risk of esophageal adenocarcinoma, especially among those with chronic acid reflux (GERD).

It’s estimated that 5% to 15% of GERD sufferers develop Barrett’s esophagus, though most do not progress to esophageal cancer, states the NIDDK.

The Mayo Clinic suggests several steps for those with esophagitis to manage symptoms and lower cancer risk:

• If GERD is the cause, take prescribed acid-reducing medication to aid esophagus healing.
• Avoid foods and drinks that aggravate reflux, such as alcohol, caffeine, chocolate, and mint.
• Delay lying down for at least three hours post-meal and maintain elevation if experiencing nighttime reflux.
• Lose excess weight and cease smoking to diminish reflux and promote recovery.
• Consult with a gastroenterologist if symptoms persist or complications arise.

In a different health-related revelation, Kardashian disclosed in 2025 that doctors found an unruptured brain aneurysm during an MRI scan.

“They’re like, ‘It’s been there for, like, years. It was here a few years ago,’” Kardashian stated in “The Kardashians.”

Fox News Digital has contacted Kardashian for comments on these health announcements. Melissa Rudy, the senior health editor at Fox News Digital, encourages tips to reach [email protected].