Esophageal diseases – which are the most common and how to recognize them?

The esophagus is an organ of the digestive system that plays a key role in the process of swallowing food and carrying it to the stomach.Unfortunately, the esophagus may be exposed to various types of diseases.In this article, we will discuss the most common esophageal diseases, their symptoms, and methods of diagnosis and treatment.

Esophageal diseases – symptoms of a diseased esophagus

Esophageal diseases may have various symptoms, which often depend on the type of disease and its advancement.The most common symptoms of esophageal disease are:

• Pain or burning in the chest, which may resemble symptoms of a peptic ulcer or heart attack.
• Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia), especially raw or dry foods.
• Trouble swallowing saliva.
• Feeling of a lump in the throat.
• Hoarseness or changes in voice.
• Acid reflux, which causes heartburn, nausea and vomiting.

The most common esophageal diseases

There are many different esophageal diseases, but the most common are:

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (gerd)

GERD is a condition in which stomach contents flow back into the esophagus, causing irritation and inflammation of the lining.Symptoms of GERD include heartburn, chest pain, and frequent reflux.

Inflammation of the esophagus (esophagitis)

Esophagitis may be the result of acid reflux, infection, or trauma.Symptoms include chest pain and difficulty swallowing.

Barrett’s esophagus

This is a serious complication of GERD that can lead to esophageal cancer.Barrett’s esophagus is characterized by changes in the esophageal mucosa.

Esophageal cancer

Esophageal cancer is a cancer that usually develops asymptomatically for a long time.Late-stage esophageal cancer may present with difficulty swallowing and chest pain.

The most common esophageal diseases in children

Although esophageal diseases are more common in adults, children can also be affected by various diseases of this organ.The most common esophageal diseases in children are:

Gastroesophageal reflux in infants

Babies often suffer from GERD, which manifests as crying, refusing to eat, and difficulty eating.

Eosinophilic esophagitis (eoe)

EoE is an allergic reaction to foods that can cause swallowing problems, abdominal pain and vomiting in children.

Diagnosis of esophageal diseases – what tests are performed?

Appropriate tests are necessary to diagnose esophageal diseases.The most important of them are:

• Esophageal endoscopy – a test that allows for direct viewing of the inside of the esophagus and, if necessary, taking samples for biopsy.
• Esophageal manometry – measurement of pressure and muscle movements of the esophagus.
• X-ray examination of the esophagus – imaging using X-rays.

Treatment of esophageal diseases

Treatment of esophageal diseases depends on the type of disease and its advancement.GERD is treated with medications to reduce stomach acid production and lifestyle changes such as avoiding eating before bed and keeping the head elevated while sleeping.Barrett’s esophagus and esophageal cancer often require more advanced treatments, such as surgery or radiation therapy.

Your suggestions

If you suspect you have an esophageal disease or are experiencing symptoms, do not delay seeing your doctor.Early diagnosis and treatment can significantly improve a patient’s prognosis and quality of life.

Recommended articles

If you are interested in the topic of esophageal diseases, we recommend that you read our other articles on this topic, where you will find more information about diagnosis, treatment and prevention.

Esophageal diseases are serious diseases that can significantly affect the patient’s health and quality of life.Therefore, it is important to be aware of the symptoms and regularly check the condition of your esophagus.In case of any doubts, it is always worth consulting a doctor who can make the correct diagnosis and implement appropriate treatment.