The esophagus, which links the mouth to the stomach, is a long, thin tube. Disorders in its anatomy might lead to issues with swallowing and food digestion. When the esophagus gets damaged, its structure may result in ongoing swallowing and digestive issues. Esophagitis and esophageal cancer are two of the diseases that affect the esophagus.
What are esophageal diseases?
Esophageal conditions that hamper the functioning of the esophagus are referred to as esophageal diseases. Barrett’s esophagus, GERD, achalasia, hiatal hernias are several esophageal disorders. In conditions such as GERD and hernias, acid reflux from the stomach irritates the esophagus and leads to heartburn, coughing, regurgitation (vomiting), etc.
What are the symptoms of esophageal diseases?
The main symptom of an esophageal disorder is pain or discomfort in the upper abdomen, heartburn, hoarseness, difficulty in swallowing, indigestion, and unexplained weight loss. This pain may interfere with your activities and keep you from eating.
What are the causes of Esophageal diseases?
Esophageal diseases are a set of illnesses brought on by esophageal inflammation. Genetic and environmental factors both could lead to esophageal disorders. H. pylori infections, smoking, alcohol consumption, and radiation therapy could lead to the above disorders. Other causes of esophageal diseases include congenital heart disease, leukemia, and liver disease.
What is gastroesophageal reflux?
GERD, also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease, is a disorder where acid from your stomach rushes back up into your esophagus (GERD). This leads to irritation of the esophageal lining and causes a burning sensation in the chest. Esophageal ulcerations, dysphagia, strictures, and bleeding all fall into the GERD axis, which ranges from moderate heartburn with normal endoscopic findings and no esophageal mucosal disease to dysphagia. GERD affects people of all ages.
What is esophageal cancer?
Tumor in the esophagus that could become malignant leads to esophageal cancer. It is the 10th most common cancer in the world. It usually goes unnoticed until and unless it spreads. It is of two types adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. Esophageal cancer can be cured if detected early and treated by an expert gastroenterologist such as Dr. Kapil, the top gastroenterologist offering the finest medical services.
Dr. Kapil Sharma
MBBS, MD, DM Gastroenterology
Director and Head Gastroenterology Batra Hospital and Medical research centre, New Delhi.
He had more than 15 years of experience in field of Gastroenterology and Hepatology.
As a committed doctor, he had undergone advance endoscopic training in endoscopic ultrasound and third space endoscopy. Now he is amongst few Gastroenterologist across the country who do interventional endoscopic ultrasound and per oral endoscopic myotomy.