If a swallowed food or object returns from the stomach through the esophagus, what is this condition called?

The condition where swallowed food or an object returns from the stomach through the esophagus is known as reflux. This term broadly refers to the backward flow of stomach contents into the esophagus and encompasses a variety of conditions, including acid reflux, which specifically involves stomach acid.

Reflux can happen occasionally in healthy individuals but may become a concern if it occurs frequently, leading to symptoms such as heartburn or the sensation of regurgitation. While acid reflux is a specific type of reflux associated with acid, the term "reflux" alone captures the more generalized concept of any material returning from the stomach.

Dysphagia refers to difficulty swallowing, while esophagitis is an inflammation of the esophagus that can result from frequent reflux. Neither of these terms describes the action of the stomach contents moving back up into the esophagus. Thus, reflux is the most straightforward and accurate description of the condition in question.