Esophageal Disorders

Esophagus disorders are a group of ailments that alter how the esophagus functions. The esophagus, often known as the food pipe, is a digestive organ that transports food from the mouth to the stomach.

Types of Esophagus Disorders

Esophageal Cancer

Esophageal cancer is classified into two types: squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma. In general, smoking, radiation, and HPV infection all raise the chance of squamous cell carcinoma, whereas acid reflux and smoking both increases the risk of adenocarcinoma.

Foreign Body Impaction In Esophagus

Foreign bodies in the upper esophagus are more accurately localized by the patient. However, impactions in the mid or lower esophagus may be described as a vague discomfort, ache, or chest pain. Other symptoms include hypersalivation, retrosternal fullness, regurgitation, gagging, choking, hiccups, and retching.

Esophageal Ulcers

An esophageal ulcer is a distinct break in the margin of the esophageal mucosa. This mucosal damage to the esophagus is often caused by gastroesophageal reflux disease or from severe sustained esophagitis from other causes.

Esophageal Candidiasis

Candidiasis in the mouth and throat is also called thrush or oropharyngeal candidiasis. Candidiasis in the esophagus (the tube that connects the throat to the stomach) is called esophageal candidiasis or Candida esophagitis. Esophageal candidiasis is one of the most common infections in people living with HIV/AIDS.

Plummer Vinson Syndrome

(PLUH-mer-VIN-sun SIN-drome) A disorder marked by anemia caused by iron deficiency, and a web-like growth of membranes in the throat that makes swallowing difficult. Having Plummer-Vinson syndrome may increase the risk of developing esophageal cancer.

Esophageal Stricture

An esophageal stricture refers to the abnormal narrowing of the esophageal lumen; it often presents as dysphagia, commonly described by patients as difficulty swallowing. It is a serious sequela to many different disease processes and underlying etiologies. Its recognition and management should be prompt.