Esophagus Problems

Being a sensitive organ, it does get affected by certain medical conditions that are congenital or are caused due to external factors. This story lists out all major issues that hamper the smooth functioning of the esophagus.

The esophagus is almost 8 inches long, and is covered by moist pink tissue called mucosa. The sphincter situated at the lower end of the esophagus prevents stomach acids from entering it. There are certain conditions that can affect the esophagus. Some of these issues are minor while others lead to life-threatening consequences.

If an individual faces trouble swallowing food occasionally then it is just a sore throat, but if the issue persists then it might be a serious esophageal problem.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this story is solely for educating the reader. It is not intended to be a substitute for the advice of a medical expert.

What It Is... 
...GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease) occurs when the esophagus is inflamed or irritated due to the backward moment of the stomach acid or bile in the food pipe. The backwash of the bile inflames or irritates the lining of the esophagus leading to GERD.

Causes...
...Obesity, Hiatal hernia, Pregnancy, Diabetes, Alcohol abuse, and medications

Symptoms...
...Prolonged heartburn, Immobility, Wheezing, Persistent dry cough, Tightness in throat, Dysphagia, Bitter taste, Vomiting, and Respiratory issues 

Treatment...
...Healthy diet, Antacids, GI endoscopy and Surgery for severe cases.

What It Is...
...In Barrett's esophagus, the tissue lining of the esophagus abnormally converts itself in the tissue lining of the intestine.

Causes...
...People suffering from GERD and Hiatal hernia have a high chance of suffering from Barrett's esophagus.

Symptoms...
...No definite symptoms and most of them are same as GERD. 

Treatment...
...Healthy diet, Weight loss, Photodynamic therapy and Endoscopic mucosal resection for severe cases

What It Is... 
...Esophagitis is nothing but the painful inflammation or irritation of the esophagus. In this condition, swallowing food becomes very difficult. 

Causes...
...Low Immunity, Hiatal hernia, Anti-inflammatory drugs, Food allergies, and Radiation

Symptoms...
...Dysphagia, Heartburn, Mouth sores, Vomiting, Nausea, and Malnourishment 

Treatment...
...Antibiotics, Painkillers, Intravenous nutrition to avoid malnourishment, and Surgery to remove the damaged part of the esophagus

What It Is...
...This cancer occurs in the tissue lining of the esophagus and causes difficulty in swallowing. The cancer begins inside the esophagus and is of two types - Squamous Cell Carcinoma (cancer in flat cells lining the esophagus) and Adenocarcinoma (cancer cells that release mucus and other toxins). It is more common in men than women.

Causes...
...Hereditary, Alcohol and tobacco abuse, Barrett's esophagus, GERD, obesity, and Internal injuries in rare cases 

Symptoms... 
...Prolonged Chest pain, Heartburn, Hematemesis, Significant weight loss, and Dysphagia 

Treatment...
...Chemotherapy and radiation can be used if the cancer hasn't spread to various parts.

What It Is... 
...Esophageal atresia is a rare congenital defect in which a newborn baby is missing a part of the esophagus. In severe cases, babies are born with much of the esophagus missing, this is called Long-Gap Atresia.

Causes...
...This condition occurs before birth and hence, no specific causes are identified. 

Symptoms...
... Cyanosis when feeding, Drooling, Coughing and Choking if anything is fed.

Treatment...
...Surgery is the only form of treatment.

What It Is... 
...Esophageal dysphagia occurs when a person faces difficulty in swallowing liquids and solids. Occasional difficulty in swallowing might not be the cause for concern but if the problem persists, this may turn into a serious condition. 

Causes... 
...Muscle spasms, Tumors in esophagus, Lupus, Injured esophagus, and Consuming large pieces of food 

Symptoms... 
...Chest pain, Heartburn, Painful coughs, Dehydration, Malnutrition, and Vomiting 

Treatment...
...Esophageal dilation, Muscle exercises, Swallowing therapy, Medications, and Surgery in severe cases

What It Is...
...Tracheoesophageal Fistula or TEF is a congenital defect that forms an abnormal connection between the esophagus and trachea. When an infant with TEF swallows, the liquid passes through this connection and accumulates in the lungs causing pneumonia and other respiratory problems.

Causes... 
...This condition occurs before birth and hence, no specific causes are identified.

Symptoms...
...Inflated abdomen, Frothy white bubbles in the mouth, Cyanosis when the baby is feeding, Coughing and choking when feeding, and difficulty in breathing 

Treatment...
...Surgery is the only form of treatment.

What It Is...
...Common in Central and South America, Chagas is caused when the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi enters the blood stream. It starts by damaging the nerves of the heart, esophagus, liver and various other organs.

Causes...
...The Trypanosoma cruzi parasite is carried by the Reduviid or Kissing bugs. These insects thrive in poorly constructed houses and huts, deposit their waste and exposes humans to the parasite. This disease can also spread through the biting of the bug and by blood transfusion.

Symptoms...
...Fever, Swollen eye, Swelling, Constipation, and Dysphagia 

Treatment... 
...Medications can reduce the severity of the symptoms but are proven effective only in 50% cases.

What It Is...
...Boerhaave Syndrome occurs due to the sudden rupture of the esophagus. Majority cases of esophageal perforations usually occur during medical procedures like endoscopy or esophageal surgery.

Causes...
...Abnormal increase in intraesophageal pressure caused by vomiting, Barrett's ulcer and Infectious ulcers 

Symptoms...
...Chest and abdominal Pain, Fever, Shock, Dyspnea, Cyanosis, Hematemesis, and Tachypnea

Treatment...
...Early detection and surgery are the best treatments for Boerhaave syndrome.

What It Is...
...In this condition, veins in the lower part of the esophagus suffers from abnormal swelling. This condition arises when liver experiences low blood flow and it accumulates in the nearby blood vessels causing abnormal swelling.

Causes...
...Liver cirrhosis, Parasitic infection, Thrombosis, Schistosomiasis, and Budd-Chiari Syndrome 

Symptoms...
...High fever, Hematemesis, Bloody stools, and Shock

Treatment...
...Medicines can be helpful but in severe cases surgery is the only option.

Most esophageal problems can be avoided by following a healthy lifestyle, limiting the use of alcohol and caffeine, eating smaller portions of food and chewing them well.