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Esophageal Diseases
The esophagus is an essential part of the digestive system (also known as the gastrointestinal tract) that carries food and liquids from the throat to the stomach. The esophagus commonly called the food pipe is a muscular tube located in the chest behind the windpipe.
Have you ever felt a burning feeling in your chest, commonly known as heartburn? It may be an inflammation of the esophagus or a similar condition. Esophageal disorders are various conditions that impact the normal functioning of the food pipe/esophagus. Difficulties with swallowing, stomach discomfort, chest discomfort, and heartburn are some of the symptoms that may be caused by esophageal disorders.
What are the Common Gastric (Stomach) Diseases?
The stomach is an essential organ in the digestive system responsible for storing, mixing, and breaking down food that is passed from the esophagus. Gastric diseases are issues that impact the normal functioning of the stomach and include various conditions that vary in severity and can be caused by lifestyle choices, medical issues, infections, etc.
Common Esophageal Diseases
There are several conditions that affect the normal functioning of the esophagus causing discomforts like chest pain, heartburn, difficulty swallowing food, etc. Here are the most common esophageal diseases:
- Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): The esophagus consists of two Sphincters, a muscle that opens and closes to regulate the flow of substances in the body. The sphincters are located on the top and bottom of the esophagus. Gastroesophageal reflux disease is a condition when the lower sphincter fails to close properly, allowing stomach acid and other substances to flow back into the esophagus.
- Esophagitis: It is defined as inflammation of the esophagus. Esophagus inflammation is known for causing painful swallowing and heartburn, along with chest pain, and is often a result of stomach acid reflux, infections, and specific medications.
- Esophageal Stricture: Stricture is a condition when the passageway, or any channel in the body becomes narrower, making it difficult for things to pass through. A condition where the esophagus begins to narrow abnormally is known as an esophageal stricture. The esophagus can become narrowed by two factors: internally by swelling or stiffening of the mucosa, and externally by pressure from nearby organs.
- Barrett’s Esophagus: It is a condition impacted by stomach acid reflux that is left untreated and causes harm to the lower lining of the esophagus. If left unattended, acid reflux can lead to alterations in the appearance and colour of the lower esophageal lining. The lower esophagus lining is irritated by acid reflux. Barrett's esophagus symptoms can include burning and tightness in the throat, burping, chest pain from gas, stomach pains, and other associated issues.
- Esophageal Cancer:
- It is a condition in which abnormal tissues start to grow on the lining of the esophagus forming a tumour. Esophageal cancer is of two types:
- Squamous Cell Carcinoma: This type of cancer develops in the squamous cells (cells located inside the esophagus). This form of cancer is linked to smoking, radiation exposure & infections like HPV.
- Adenocarcinoma: This type of cancer starts originating from the lower part of the esophagus, and is caused by untreated long-term acid reflux, heavy alcohol consumption, etc.
Common Gastric (Stomach) Diseases
The stomach is an essential organ responsible for digesting food and extracting nutrients. There are, however, several disorders that impact the usual operation of the stomach. Typical stomach disorders vary from minor issues such as indigestion to more serious conditions like ulcers and cancer. There are various gastric (stomach) diseases, including:
- Gastritis: Gastritis is a common disorder in which the lining of the stomach gets inflamed or irritated. The majority of gastritis disorders are related to diet and lifestyle habits and are caused by heavy alcohol consumption, extreme stress, smoking, certain medications, etc. Common symptoms of gastritis are stomach ache, stomach upset, loss of appetite, vomiting, etc.
- Peptic Ulcer Disease (PUD): It is a condition in which open sores and ulcers develop on the inner lining of the stomach. These ulcers occur due to the corrosive effect of the stomach acid. The common symptoms of peptic ulcer disease are abdominal pain, burning/gnawing sensation, bloated stomach, etc. Common factors leading to peptic ulcer disease consist of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), bacterial infections, smoking, and alcohol intake.
- Gastric Cancer: Gastric cancer or commonly known as stomach cancer is a cancer that develops on the stomach’s lining. Gastric cancer grows slowly and is usually asymptomatic in the early stages. Gastric cancer can develop on any part of the stomach but normally it originates on the main part of the stomach called the stomach body. The signs of stomach cancer may include belly pain, bloated feeling post eating, losing weight, vomiting, black stool, etc.
- Gastroparesis: It is also known as delayed stomach emptying, is a condition that impacts the nerves and muscles in the stomach, causing a slowdown in the digestive process. Gastroparesis impacts the nerves that stimulate the muscles in the stomach. Gastroparesis is typically characterized by symptoms such as indigestion, a swollen abdomen, decreased appetite, and heartburn. This health issue occurs when food stays in the stomach for an extended period, often due to factors like diabetes or certain medications.
- Hiatal Hernia: It is a condition that occurs when the top section of the stomach pushes up into the chest through hiatus, an opening in the diaphragm. This can happen due to a weak diaphragm, being overweight, pregnancy, or similar conditions. It might cause problems like trouble swallowing, heartburn, bad breath, nausea, and other discomforts.
Causes and Risk Factors of Esophageal and Gastric Diseases
- Smoking & Alcohol Consumption: Smoking & alcohol consumption irritates and inflames the esophagus and esophageal lining leading to gastroesophageal reflux disease and esophagitis.
- Obesity: Excess weight or obesity puts strain on the abdomen, which in turn impacts the esophagus and can cause gastroesophageal reflux disease.
- Weak Lower Esophageal Sphincter: A weak sphincter or a sphincter which fails to close properly allows the stomach acid to flow into the esophagus causing gastroesophageal reflux disease.
- H.pylori Infection: H.pylori is a bacteria that causes infection in the stomach, causing severe conditions like peptic ulcers, and gastric/stomach cancer.
- Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs: A long-term consumption of these can damage the stomach lining and may cause issues like gastritis and ulcers.
Symptoms of Esophageal and Gastric Diseases
The signs of esophageal and gastric diseases may range from mild symptoms such as heartburn to more alarming indicators like gastric cancer. Some of the common symptoms include:
|
Esophageal Diseases |
Gastric Diseases |
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Heartburn |
Nausea |
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Chest Pain |
Bloating |
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Difficulty Swallowing |
Abdominal Pain |
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Chronic Cough or Sore Throat |
Loss of Appetite |
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Hoarseness |
Indigestion |
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Regurgitation |
Vomiting |
Diagnosis of Esophageal and Gastric Diseases
To accurately diagnose and assess esophageal and gastric diseases, doctors rely on a combination of reviewing the patient’s medical history, conducting a physical examination, and using laboratory tests and imaging techniques. Some commonly used diagnostic methods are:
- Endoscopy
- Swallow Study
- PH Monitoring
- Manometry
- Barium Swallow/Esophagogram
- Ultrasound
- CT Scan
Treatment Options for Esophageal and Gastric Diseases
|
Treatment |
Esophageal Diseases |
Gastric Diseases |
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Lifestyle Changes |
Changes in diet, weight loss, avoiding smoking, and alcohol consumption. |
Balanced diet, weight management, hydration, stress management |
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Medications |
Antacids, H2 blockers, and other medications to reduce stomach acid. |
Antacids, antibiotics, proton pump inhibitors (PPI) |
|
Surgical Options |
Esophagectomy, fundoplication, myotomy |
Gastrectomy, ulcer repair, hernia repair |
Preventive Measures for Esophageal and Gastric Health
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FAQs Around Esophageal Diseases
What is esophagus?
The esophagus is an essential part of the digestive system (also known as the gastrointestinal tract) that carries food and liquids from the throat to the stomach.
Where is the esophagus located?
Esophagus also called the food pipe is a muscular tube located in the chest behind the windpipe.
What are esophageal varices?
Varices are enlarged or dilated blood vessels in the esophagus.
What is esophagus cancer?
Esophagus cancer is a condition where abnormal tissues start to grow on the lining of the esophagus forming a tumour.
Does gastritis cause back pain?
Yes, gastritis pain can radiate from the upper abdomen to the back.
Why does gastric happen?
Gastric issues are caused by a number of factors including, diet, lifestyle, medication, stress, and other related factors.
How is gastric cancer diagnosed?
Gastric cancer can be diagnosed through medical tests like endoscopy, ultrasound, CT scan, laparoscopy, etc. Some of the common symptoms of gastric cancer include abdominal pain, blood in stool, loss of appetite, etc.