There are diseases that can cause injury and affect the structure of the esophagus, the important function of this organ is to transport food and fluids between the mouth and stomach, some of these diseases include: gastroesophageal reflux, esophagitis, presence of tumors, spasms, infections and wounds, for example.
The main symptoms that cause these diseases are: chest pain, heartburn, reflux, making it difficult to swallow the feeling that something is crossed in the throat, often the pain is very severe and tends to be confused with the heart, lung or muscle problems, although a doctor needs a checkup and indicates the performing of diagnostic tests that may include digestive endoscopy, manometry, ultrasound and / or a contrast x-ray of the region, to verify the cause and indicate the most appropriate treatment Know the main causes of pain in the chest.
- Esophagitis is an inflammation that occurs in the esophagus and appears as a complication of gastroesophageal reflux disease.
- This inflammation increases the risk of inflamed cells experiencing a transformation called metaplasia.
- To promote exposure to acidity.
- Causing Barrett’s esophagus and increasing the risk of developing Barrett.
- Esophageal cancer.
Other causes of esophagitis include fungal infections, frequent vomiting, use of medications such as aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs and antibiotics, hiatal hernia and ingestion of caustic or acidic substances, for example.
Main symptoms: painful burn in the mouth, painful difficulty swallowing, bitter taste in the mouth, toes, frequent laryngitis.
Treatment: if caused by reflux, treatment of esophagitis, is performed with inhibition of gastric acidity, with drugs such as pantoprazole, omeprazole and ranitidine, in addition to changes in eating habits; if caused by an infection, medications such as antibiotics, antifungals or antivirals are indicated, as well as the healing of the injury. In case of drug irritation, supportive radiation, it may be necessary to dilate the esophagus in case its function is compromised.
Learn more about the types of esophagitis and how treatment is done
Gastroesophageal reflux is found in the gastric content, esophagus and mouth, causing pain and inflammation, a situation that should not occur because the tissue of this organ is not prepared to receive gastric yokes with pH but acid.
Main symptoms: gastroesophageal reflux causes burning sensation in the mouth, acidity, bitter taste in the mouth, at night, recurrent laryngitis and, in severe cases, chest pain, pain (odinophagia) and difficulty (dysphagia)) to swallow.
Treatment: In case of the above symptoms, a gastroenterologist should be seen to perform an assessment and indicate the most appropriate treatment, since the general is performed with the use of drugs that inhibit the production of acid such as omeprazole. , Esomeprazole or Pantoprazole. In addition, this could also indicate the use of antacids, gastric vacuum accelerators and gastric protectors.
In addition to medications, it is also necessary to follow a good diet, avoiding foods that favor the appearance of reflux such as coffee, fried and high-fat foods. See more details on dieting in the video below:
If not reflected correctly, some complications can occur such as esophagitis, Barrett’s esophagus, esophageal bloating and even cancer. Learn more about identifying gastroesophageal reflux disease.
Esophageal spasm is a disease in which painful and abnormal contractions occur in the esophagus; it is not known what the cause is, but it is believed to be related to a problem in the nerves that control the muscles of this part of the gastrointestinal tract.
To confirm this condition, your doctor may order tests such as a manometry, which detects the presence of your esophagus, as well as contrast x-rays and endoscopy.
Main symptoms: difficulty swallowing, burning, reflux and painful chest oppression. In some cases, the pain can be so severe that it can simulate an acute myocardial infarction.
Treatment: Treatment will depend on the frequency and severity of spasms, so your doctor may indicate to avoid situations that trigger it, prescribing the use of drugs that could help control spasms such as calcium channel blockers, botulinum toxin sildenafil injections, for example. In more severe cases where the medicine does not control spasms, your doctor may indicate that surgery is underway.
Esophageal tumor is rare and in most cases is related to Barrett’s esophagus, however, there are other risk factors related to smoking, alcohol consumption, injuries caused by caustic ingestion, obesity, esophageal reflux and human papillomavirus infection. Learn more about the causes of esophageal cancer.
Main symptoms: the main symptom is difficulty swallowing food, which gradually decreases, starting with solid foods and can lead to fluids. Other signs and symptoms that may occur during weight loss, snoring, swallowing pain and anemia, which can lead to constant fatigue in the person.
Treatment: Treatment is prescribed by the treating physician based on the type and severity of the injury, and usually includes surgery to remove the tumor, as well as chemotherapy and radiation therapy.
Achalasia is a disease caused by an injury or loss of neurons responsible for the inervation of the muscles of the esophagus; In this way, the esophagus has the ability to relax during swallowing and perform peristalsis, which is a wave of movements of the digestive tract responsible for transporting food to the stomach and intestine. In achalasia, progressive dilation and deformation of the esophagus occurs, which can cause pain over time.
Main symptoms: difficulty swallowing, reflux, chest pain and weight loss.
Treatment: There is no cure yet, your doctor may indicate treatments to lower esophageal pressure and symptoms of nitrates or hydrazine. Esophageal expansion surgery, or myotomy, are alternatives to facilitate esophageal vaccination in the most severe cases. , the esophagus may need to be removed.
Acagasia is caused by autoimmune causes, however, Chagas disease can also cause nerve damage and cause similar expansion in carriers of this infection. To diagnose achalasia, your doctor may order tests such as esophageal manometry to detect pressure changes, as well as perform an endoscopy and contrast esophageal x-ray.
The diverticulum is altered in the structure of the esophagus which, being usually small but can increase in size, could cause saliva and food retention.
Main symptoms: when they are large diverticulums, they can cause difficulty swallowing, just there, and a suction of food in the lungs.
Treatment: Surgery may be indicated for the removal of larger diverticules that cause symptoms.
In addition to diverticulums, other changes in esophageal structure that could occur in rings and membranes above the organ, as well as benign polyps or tumors that could interfere with food swallowing and any causes that might be congenital or inflammatory.
A major cause of pain in the esophagus, even for a short time, is the formation of lesions or punctures, which occur both from the presence of severe vomiting and during procedures such as endoscopy, the installation of nasogastric tubes, injuries in accidents, even because of this, corrosion caused by esophagitis or cancer.
Main symptoms: Severe pain in the nose that stops breathing the hair can cause blood leakage during vomiting, can also cause inflammation of the media, an area where other important organisms such as the heart and lungs are found, being dangerous and potentially endangering the life of the individual.
Treatment: aspiration of probe secretions, the use of antibiotics, as well as to avoid gnawing on healing lesions is necessary. When the inheritance is large or cannot be contained, your doctor may consider surgery to correct the injury.
In addition, there may also be a buildup of food or the existence of an additional body lodged in the esophagus, causing severe pain and an inability to eliminate the secretions formed. In some cases, it may be necessary to remove food from the extruded one. body by an endoscopy.