Overview

The oesophagus is a muscular tube connecting the throat (pharynx) to the stomach. Its primary function is transporting swallowed food and liquids from the mouth to the stomach for digestion through coordinated muscle contractions.

Oesophagal disorders irritate the oesophagus and obstruct the functioning of the organ. Different conditions affecting the pipeline depend upon the disorder's symptoms and cause. The affected individual may face heartburn, digestion problems, bloating, or harsh side effects such as oesophagal cancer.

What are esophageal disorders?

A collection of disorders that hamper the functioning of the oesophagus of a human are known as oesophagal disorders. Different conditions have other symptoms and causes that help doctors identify the right type and suggest the correct medication and treatment. The oesophagus is a pipe-like structure that allows the food to travel from the mouth to the stomach.

Any form of obstruction in this procedure can cause multiple health issues. GERD, Achalasia disease, and Barrett's oesophagus are a few common problems observed to restrict the function of an oesophagus. Medications along with simple and positive lifestyle changes can help to get rid of the situation.

Types of Esophageal Disorders

Mentioned below are a few types of oesophagal disorders, along with their causes and symptoms to help an individual identify the issue at the right time:

GERD- Also known as Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease, is a form of the oesophagal disease that happens when acid reflux is observed in the pipeline carrying food from the mouth to the stomach. It occurs when the acid present in the stomach flows back to the tube. It makes it uncomfortable for the suffering individual to have a healthy and comfortable digestive system. GERD can be managed with the help of medications, improvement in diet, and lifestyle changes. Rare and severe cases of GERD may require surgery for a healthy solution.

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GERD[/caption]

Causes and Risk Factors

- Frequent acid refluxes
- Obesity
- Constipation
- Bowel movement irritation
- Connective tissue disorders
- Pregnancy

Symptoms

- Heartburn
- Regurgitation
- Chest pain
- Issue in swallowing
- Obstruction in the throat

Achalasia- It is a rare disorder that happens when the muscles of the oesophagus at the bottom get paralysed and do not allow food and liquid to pass from the stomach. As a result, the affected individual experiences acid reflux, heartburn, and difficulty in digestion. The affected individual may also feel a bitter taste in the mouth due to the food washing back into the oesophagus from the stomach. Unfortunately, there is no permanent cure for the disorder, but with the help of surgery or different types of therapies, the symptoms of the disease are manageable.

Causes and Risk Factors

- Loss of nerve cells in the oesophagus
- Viral infection
- Autoimmune diseases
- Genetic disorder

Symptoms

- Dysphagia
- Heartburn
- Regurgitation
- Chest pain
- Disturbing cough at night
- Sudden weight loss
- Vomiting and nausea

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Achalasia[/caption]

Barrette's Oesophagus- It is one of the damaging forms of oesophagal disorders. It is a medical condition in which the bottom lining of the oesophagus thickens due to excessive and continuous acid reflux. It leads to the joining of the stomach and oesophagus. The condition also damages the Lower Esophageal Sphincter (LES) due to heavy acid reflux, as it is between the stomach and the oesophagus. It is also accounted as one of the significant reasons for oesophagal cancer. Regular checks, a healthy diet, and a healthy part of activity in the whole day are some of the steps that can help one to stay at bay from the harsh disorder.

Causes and Risk Factors

- Silent reflux
- GERD
- Obesity
- Age (for people above 50 years)
- Tobacco
- Family history of the disease

Symptoms

- Regurgitation
- Stomachache
- Frequent heartburn
- Chest pain
- Difficulty in swallowing food

Eosinophilic Esophagitis- Inflammation of the oesophagal lining caused due to excess white blood cells in the oesophagus is known as eosinophilic esophagitis. The medical disorder happens due to some specific form of allergies. The symptoms are similar to other oesophagal conditions, such as heartburn, acid reflux, and difficulty swallowing.

Causes and Risk Factors

- Atopic dermatitis
- Asthma
- Food allergies

Symptoms

- Severe stomach ache
- Heartburn
- Regurgitation
- Chest pain
- Feeding disorders in children

Esophageal Cancer - It is one of the most common forms of disorder of the oesophagus and the 10th most common form of cancer globally. It happens when cancer causes tumours in the lining of the oesophagus. The disease is curable with the help of surgery, radiation therapy, targeted and immunotherapy. The main aim of the treatment options is to lower the disorder's symptoms and improve the patient's quality of life.

Causes and Risk Factors

- Tobacco
- Alcohol
- Obesity
- Acid reflux
- History of the disease

Symptoms

- Pain in throat
- Vomiting
- Blood in cough
- Heartburn
- Acid reflux

Some other oesophagal disorders include oesophagal diverticulum, oesophagal motility disorders, and Zenker’s Diverticulum.

When to Consult a Doctor

You can also get in touch with the expert Gastroenterology doctors at Narayana Healthcare based in your city to get immediate attention and medical support during injuries, health disorders or any other health concern.

Conclusion

Esophageal disorders are a combination of disorders that ruin the functioning of the oesophagus. These disorders damage the oesophagus's lower lining, which obstructs food digestion. Lifestyle and dietary changes or surgery can help eliminate these issues.

FAQs

Q. What is an oesophagal disorder? A. A disorder that obstructs the functioning of the pipe-like structure during the transfer of food from the mouth to the stomach is known as an oesophagal disorder.

Q. What are some common types of oesophagal disorders? A. GERD, Barrett's Disease, and Achalasia are common forms of the disorder.

Q. What are the different treatment options for oesophagal disorders? A. Medications, lifestyle modifications, surgery, and therapy are some treatment options to cure different oesophagal disorders.

Q. What are the causes of oesophagal disorders? A. Oesophagal disorders can be caused by various factors, including chronic acid reflux (GERD), infections, allergies, smoking, obesity, genetics, scarring, abnormal muscle function, and, in some cases, cancerous growth.

Reference Links

- https://www.narayanahealth.org/blog/esophagitis-causes-symptoms-and-treatment/
- https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/16976-esophageal-disorders/