Esophageal dysphagia

Esophageal dysphagia is a medical condition characterized by difficulty in swallowing due to problems in the esophagus. This condition can be caused by various factors, including esophageal stricture, esophageal cancer, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

Causes

Esophageal dysphagia can be caused by a variety of conditions, including:

• Esophageal stricture: This is a narrowing of the esophagus that can cause difficulty swallowing. It can be caused by inflammation, scarring, or tumors.

• Esophageal cancer: This is a type of cancer that occurs in the esophagus. It can cause difficulty swallowing, especially as the cancer progresses.

• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD): This is a condition in which stomach acid frequently flows back into the esophagus, causing irritation and potentially leading to esophageal dysphagia.

Symptoms

The main symptom of esophageal dysphagia is difficulty swallowing, which can manifest as a feeling of food stuck in the throat or chest, pain when swallowing, or the inability to swallow. Other symptoms can include weight loss, chest pain, and regurgitation of food or liquids.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of esophageal dysphagia typically involves a physical examination and a review of the patient's medical history. Additional tests may include an endoscopy, barium swallow, or esophageal manometry.

Treatment

Treatment for esophageal dysphagia depends on the underlying cause. Options may include medication, dilation of the esophagus, surgery, or lifestyle changes such as dietary modifications.

See also

• Dysphagia
• Oropharyngeal dysphagia
• Esophageal diseases

Esophageal dysphagia Resources
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