There are diseases that can cause injury and affect the structure of the esophagus, an organ that has the important function of transporting food and fluids between the mouth and stomach, and some of the main ones include gastroesophageal reflux, esophagitis, tumor, spasms, infections. , injuries, for example.
The main symptoms caused by these diseases are chest pain, acidity, reflux, difficulty swallowing or a bowling sensation in the throat, often the pain is severe and confused with heart, lung or muscle diseases, so it is always necessary to see a doctor. evaluation to perform tests such as digestive endoscopy, manometry, ultrasound or contrast x-ray of the region, which identify changes in the structure of organs in the region and rule out other causes. Learn more about other causes of chest pain.
- Also known as ERGE.
- This disease is caused by reflux of stomach contents into the esophagus.
- Which should not occur.
- As the tissue in this organ is not ready to receive excess acidity.
If gastroesophageal reflux is not treated properly, some of the possible complications are esophagitis, Barrett’s esophagus, narrowing of the esophagus and even cancer. Learn more about what gastroesophageal reflux disease is and how to identify gastroesophageal reflux disease.
Esophagitis is an inflammation of the esophagus, a complication that affects some people with gastroesophageal reflux disease. This inflammation increases the risk of causing Barrett’s esophagus, which occurs when inflamed cells undergo a transformation, called metaplasia, to resist frequent exposure to heartburn, and which has an increased risk of causing esophageal cancer.
Other causes of esophagitis include thrush, frequent vomiting, use of medications such as aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs and antibiotics, such as clindamycin, hiatal hernia or ingestion of caustic or acidic substances, for example.
Learn more about the types of esophagitis and how to treat it
It is unclear what causes esophageal reflux, but there are factors that can trigger the uncoordinated activity of this organ, causing painful and abnormal contractions of the esophagus, such as very hot or cold foods.
To confirm this condition, your doctor may order tests such as manometry, which detects esophageal pressure, as well as an X-ray with contrast and endoscopy.
Esophageal tumor is rare and, in most cases, is related to barrett reflux disease and esophagus, however, other risk factors are smoking, alcohol consumption, caustic lesions, HPV infection, obesity and esophageal reflux.
Learn more about identifying and treating esophageal cancer
Achalasia is a disease caused by the injury or loss of neurons responsible for the innervation of the esophageal muscles, in this way the esophagus loses its ability to relax during swallowing and perform peristalsis, which are the movement waves of the digestive tract that are they form to carry food in the right direction, up to the stomach and intestines. Thus, in achalasia, there is gradual esophageal dilation and deformation, which can worsen over time.
Achalasia is caused by autoimmune causes, however, Chagas disease can also cause nerve damage and cause similar dilation in patients with this infection. To confirm achalasia, your doctor may recommend tests such as esophageal manometry to detect changes in pressure, as well as endoscopy and contrast x-rays of your esophagus.
Diverticulums are changes in esophageal structure that are usually small, but can grow and be able to retain saliva and food.
In addition to diverticulums, other changes in esophageal structure that can occur are rings and membranes along the organ, as well as benign polyps or tumors, which can make it difficult to swallow food and can have congenital or inflammatory causes.
A major cause of pain in the esophagus, although rare, is the formation of lesions or punctures, which occur both from the presence of severe vomiting, as well as during procedures such as endoscopy or the installation of nasogastric tubes, injuries in accidents or even due to corrosion caused by esophagitis or cancer.
In addition to the formation of lesions, there may be an impact of food or a foreign body that can stay in the esophagus and cause severe pain and an inability to eliminate the secretions formed, in some cases it may be necessary to eliminate the cause. endoscopy.