In the trailer for the eighth season of The Kardashians, Kim Kardashian revealed that she has been diagnosed with esophagitis, a condition involving inflammation and irritation of the esophagus. The conversation sparked memories of her father Robert Kardashian, who died of esophageal cancer in 2003.In the trailer, someone asks her, “Didn't your father ... isn't it what he died of?” to which she responds, “Yeah.” Her mother, Kris Jenner, is also seen becoming emotional. Kardashian is shown in a hospital bed, although the trailer does not reveal the exact cause or severity of her esophagitis or any procedure she may have undergone.But it is important to clarify that esophagitis and esophageal cancer are two different conditions.What Is Esophagitis?Esophagitis is a condition in which the lining of the esophagus, the tube that carries food and liquids from the mouth to the stomach, becomes inflamed.There are several possible causes for the inflammation of the esophagus. The most common is gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a condition in which stomach acid flows back into the esophagus repeatedly. Other causes include certain medications, infections and allergic or conditions related to immune system.Symptoms can include heartburn, chest pain, painful or difficult swallowing, coughing, hoarseness and a sore throat.The treatment for esophagitis depends on what is causing the inflammation and can include medicines that reduce stomach acid, treatment for an infection or changes to diet and other habits. The condition is often manageable with treatment.Also read: Bruce Willis’ Dementia Diagnosis Left Wife Emma Heming Feeling ‘Lost’ And ‘Isolated’ - What Are The Signs Of Caregivers Burnout?Does Esophagitis Increase Cancer Risk?Esophagitis itself does not mean a person will develop esophageal cancer. The concern refers to when chronic acid reflux continues for years. Repeated exposure to stomach acid can damage the esophageal lining and, in some people, lead to Barrett's esophagus.Barrett's esophagus involves changes in the cells lining the lower esophagus and is associated with an increased risk of esophageal adenocarcinoma, one of the major types of esophageal cancer. However, most people with Barrett's esophagus do not develop cancer.Rather, in some people, long-standing reflux can cause chronic damage, which can lead to Barrett's esophagus, which in turn is associated with a higher cancer risk.Also read: Busy Philipps Reveals She Had Surgery To Remove A Rare Brain Tumour: What Is Oligodendroglioma?Kim Kardashian’s Family HistoryAccording to reports, Kim Kardashian's father Robert Kardashian died from esophageal cancer in September 2003 at the age of 59, only about two months after his diagnosis. This family history makes Kim's diagnosis particularly significant. However, there is currently no public information showing that her esophagitis is hereditary or that it is connected to the cancer her father had. Her diagnosis also does not establish that she has Barrett's esophagus or esophageal cancer. The trailer does not disclose those details.The Kardashian family has nevertheless remained involved in awareness about esophageal health since Robert's death. In 2019, the family helped establish the Robert G. Kardashian Center for Esophageal Health at UCLA, dedicated to research, treatment and education about diseases of the esophagus. When Should Esophageal Symptoms Be Checked?Persistent difficulty swallowing, painful swallowing, unexplained weight loss, recurrent vomiting, bleeding or discomfort in chest should not simply be dismissed as normal acidity.Doctors may use tests such as an upper endoscopy to examine the esophagus and determine whether inflammation, structural changes or other abnormalities are present. Persistent inflammation, particularly when driven by untreated chronic reflux, can sometimes signal a problem that needs medical evaluation and follow-up.