AIM: To analyze the clinical and endoscopic features of Chinese patients with reflux esophagitis (RE). METHODS: A total of 1405 RE patients were analyzed retrospectively. Data on gender, age, presence/absence of H pylori infection and associated esophageal hiatal hernia were collected. Esophagitis was divided into different grades according to Los Angeles Classification. RESULTS: Of 18823 patients, 1405 were diagnosed as RE. The ratio of male to female patients was 1.75:1 (P < 0.01). The mean age of male and female patients was significantly different (P = 0.01). The peak age at onset of the disease was 40-60 years. According to Los Angeles Classification, there were significant differences in the age of patients with grades A and B compared to patients with grades C and D (P < 0.01). Two hundred and seventy-seven patients were infected with H pylori, the infection rate was low (P < 0.01). Complication of esophageal hiatal hernia was found to be significantly associated with the severity of esophagitis and age in 195 patients (P < 0.01). Esophageal mucosa damages were mainly located at the right esophageal wall. CONCLUSION: The peak age of onset of RE is 40-60 years and higher in males than in females. The mean age of onset of RE is lower in males than in females. The infection rate of H pylori is significantly decreased in patients with esophagitis. Old age and esophageal hiatal hernia are associated with more severe esophagitis. Right esophageal mucosal damage can occur more often in RE patients. (c) 2008 WJG. All rights reserved.