Kim Kardashian reveals Esophagitis diagnosis linked to painful family history

Kim Kardashian has revealed a new health scare that immediately brought back painful memories of her late father.

In the first trailer for Season 8 of The Kardashians, released September 17, the 45-year-old reality star reveals that she has been diagnosed with esophagitis, an inflammation of the esophagus. The condition becomes especially emotional because Kim’s father, Robert Kardashian, died from esophageal cancer in 2003 at the age of 59.

Kim Kardashian Opens Up About Her Diagnosis

The trailer shows Kim getting her hair and makeup done when she suddenly shares the news.

“I have something called esophagitis,” she says.

The moment quickly takes a more serious turn. An off-camera voice asks, “Didn’t your father… isn’t it what he died of?”

Kim Kardashian answers, “Yeah.”

The trailer then cuts to footage of Kim in a hospital bed wearing a gown. Another scene appears to show her being taken for a medical procedure, although the trailer does not identify what procedure she underwent or explain why she needed hospital care.

Her mother, Kris Jenner, also appears visibly emotional during the health storyline, saying, “I can’t. It makes me want to cry.”

For Kim, the diagnosis carries an obvious emotional connection to her father. Robert Kardashian was diagnosed with esophageal cancer in July 2003 and died roughly two months later, at 59.

What Is Esophagitis?

Esophagitis is not esophageal cancer.

According to the Mayo Clinic, esophagitis is swelling and irritation, or inflammation, of the tissues lining the esophagus. It can cause symptoms such as painful or difficult swallowing, heartburn and chest pain.

There are several possible causes. They can include stomach acid flowing back into the esophagus, infections, certain medications and allergic reactions. The type of treatment depends on what caused the inflammation and how much damage has occurred.

The trailer does not reveal which type of esophagitis Kim has or what caused her condition.

It also does not say that she has esophageal cancer.

Why Her Father’s Death Makes This More Frightening

Although esophagitis and esophageal cancer are different conditions, long-lasting inflammation of the esophagus can sometimes lead to complications.

The Mayo Clinic notes that untreated esophagitis can cause scarring or narrowing of the esophagus. In some cases, chronic acid-related damage can also contribute to Barrett’s esophagus, which is associated with an increased risk of esophageal cancer.

That does not mean Kim’s diagnosis indicates cancer. The available footage provides no evidence that she has cancer or that her condition is connected to her father’s disease.

Her father’s history nevertheless makes the diagnosis understandably emotional for the family.

Kim Kardashian and her family have also continued to honor Robert’s legacy through esophageal health awareness. In 2019, the Robert G. Kardashian Center for Esophageal Health was established at UCLA. Kim previously expressed pride in the center and its focus on research, information and prevention.

Kim Kardashian Has Previously Shared Health Scares on the Show

This is not the first time Kim has allowed viewers to see a frightening health moment.

During Season 7, she revealed that an MRI had discovered a small brain aneurysm. She later underwent additional testing and said everything ultimately worked out.

Now, Season 8 appears set to show another deeply personal medical experience.

For the moment, Kim has not publicly explained the exact cause of her esophagitis, how serious it was, what treatment she received or whether she continues to experience symptoms.

Those details may become clearer when the new season arrives.

When Will The Kardashians Season 8 Premiere?

Season 8 of The Kardashians premieres October 8 on Hulu. The new season will also follow other major storylines involving Kim, Kourtney, Khloé, Kendall, Kylie and Kris Jenner.

For now, the trailer has left viewers with one major question: what exactly happened to Kim, and how serious was the health scare that sent her to the hospital?

The answer may finally come when the new season begins.