Esophageal dysphagia

Overview

Esophageal dysphagia refers to difficulty in swallowing due to problems in the esophagus. It is a common symptom that can result from various underlying conditions affecting the esophagus, such as structural abnormalities, motility disorders, or inflammation.

Causes

Esophageal dysphagia can be caused by several conditions, including:

Peptic Stricture

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Peptic stricture of the esophagus

A peptic stricture is a narrowing of the esophagus due to damage from stomach acid. This condition often results from chronic gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), where acid from the stomach frequently backs up into the esophagus, causing inflammation and scarring.

Esophageal Cancer

Esophageal cancer can cause dysphagia as the tumor grows and obstructs the passage of food. It is a serious condition that requires prompt medical attention.

Achalasia

Achalasia is a motility disorder where the lower esophageal sphincter fails to relax properly, leading to difficulty in swallowing both solids and liquids.

Eosinophilic Esophagitis

Eosinophilic esophagitis is an allergic condition characterized by the presence of eosinophils in the esophagus, leading to inflammation and dysphagia.

Symptoms

The primary symptom of esophageal dysphagia is difficulty swallowing. Patients may experience:

• A sensation of food being stuck in the throat or chest
• Painful swallowing
• Regurgitation of food
• Unintentional weight loss

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of esophageal dysphagia typically involves:

• Barium swallow: An X-ray examination where the patient swallows a barium solution to visualize the esophagus.
• Endoscopy: A procedure using a flexible tube with a camera to directly view the esophagus.
• Esophageal manometry: A test to measure the rhythmic muscle contractions of the esophagus.

Treatment

Treatment depends on the underlying cause of the dysphagia:

• For peptic strictures, esophageal dilation may be performed to widen the narrowed area.
• Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are often used to reduce acid production in GERD.
• Surgical options may be considered for achalasia or esophageal cancer.

Related Pages

• Gastroesophageal reflux disease
• Esophageal cancer
• Achalasia
• Eosinophilic esophagitis