Esophageal Diseases Overview

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Questions and Answers

What are the two main categories of causes for oropharyngeal motor dysphagia?

The two main categories of causes for oropharyngeal motor dysphagia are neurological disorders and neuromuscular junction diseases.

What are three examples of intrinsic narrowing of the esophagus?

Three examples of intrinsic narrowing of the esophagus are inflammatory infections, webs or rings, and benign strictures.

What are two common symptoms of achalasia?

Two common symptoms of achalasia are progressive dysphagia and chest pain.

What is a common clue that suggests mechanical obstruction in the esophagus?

<p>A common clue that suggests mechanical obstruction in the esophagus is difficulty swallowing solid foods more than liquids.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are three possible causes of extrinsic compression of the esophagus?

<p>Three possible causes of extrinsic compression of the esophagus are vascular compression (aberrant right subclavian artery or aortic aneurysm), a mediastinal mass, and post-vagotomy hematoma or fibrosis.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the three main symptoms that strongly suggest a primary esophageal disorder?

<p>Heartburn, dysphagia, and odynophagia.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the medical term for the feeling of burning in the chest that often radiates to the neck, and what is the cause?

<p>Heartburn, also known as pyrosis, is caused by the reflux of acidic or alkaline material into the esophagus.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Explain the two main types of dysphagia, and where the difficulties occur.

<p>Oropharyngeal dysphagia refers to difficulty transferring food from the mouth to the upper esophagus, while esophageal dysphagia refers to difficulty moving food through the body of the esophagus.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of dysphagia would a patient with a history of stroke (CVA) likely experience, and why?

<p>A patient with a history of stroke may experience oropharyngeal dysphagia due to impaired muscle control affecting the swallowing process.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is aphagia, and why is it considered a medical emergency?

<p>Aphagia is a complete obstruction of the esophagus, effectively stopping food from passing through. It is a medical emergency because it can lead to severe complications like malnutrition and dehydration.</p> Signup and view all the answers

List three different types of esophagitis that can contribute to dysphagia.

<p>Reflux esophagitis, infective esophagitis, and peptic esophagitis are all types of esophagitis that can cause difficulty swallowing.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Besides difficulties with swallowing, what other symptom can result from regurgitation of esophageal or gastric contents into the mouth?

<p>Regurgitation can lead to chronic cough, laryngitis, and laryngeal aspiration.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Name two potential causes of non-cardiac chest pain that originate in the esophagus.

<p>Two potential causes of non-cardiac chest pain originating in the esophagus are GERD and diffuse esophageal spasm (DES).</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Wall defect

A structural abnormality in body membranes, like cleft palate or surgery effects.

Oropharyngeal motor dysphagia

Difficulty swallowing due to neurological conditions affecting the throat muscles.

Intrinsic narrowing

Narrowing of the esophagus caused by internal factors like inflammation or tumors.

Motility disorders

Conditions affecting the movement of the esophagus, leading to swallowing difficulties.

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Extrinsic compression

Pressure from external structures causing esophageal narrowing.

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Heartburn

A burning sensation in the chest caused by acid reflux into the esophagus specifically related to GERD.

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Dysphagia

Difficulty in swallowing due to issues with transferring food from the oropharynx to the esophagus or its transport through the esophagus.

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Aphagia

Complete obstruction of the esophagus, which is a medical emergency.

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Odynophagia

Painful swallowing, often indicating esophageal irritation or injury.

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Regurgitation

Effortless return of esophageal or gastric contents to the mouth, potentially causing coughing.

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Esophagitis

Inflammation of the esophagus, which can have various causes including reflux, infections and peptic issues.

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GERD

Gastroesophageal reflux disease, a chronic condition where stomach acid flows back into the esophagus.

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Water brash

Salivary hypersecretion in response to peptic esophagitis, distinct from typical GERD symptoms.

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Study Notes

Esophageal Diseases

  • Symptoms of esophageal diseases include heartburn, dysphagia, and odynophagia
  • Dysphagia is difficulty swallowing, which can be caused by obstruction or impaired transport of food.
  • Aphagia is complete obstruction, and a medical emergency.
  • Heartburn (pyrosis) is substernal burning, often radiating to the neck, caused by reflux of acidic or alkaline material
  • Odynophagia is painful swallowing.
  • Regurgitation is effortless appearance of esophageal or gastric contents in the mouth.
  • Weight loss, upper GIT bleeding and non-cardiac chest pain can also be symptoms.

Evaluation of Esophageal Diseases

  • Clinical history is crucial in diagnosis
  • The location of the nerves (right vagus nerve, right recurrent laryngeal nerve, left vagus nerve, left recurrent laryngeal nerve) and the thoracic chain, anterior esophageal plexus and diaphragmatic regions are parts of the esophagus
  • Right and left vagus nerves, recurrent laryngeal nerves are evaluated
  • Anterior esophageal plexus and diaphragmatic structure is examined
  • Retrosternal chest pain radiating to the neck, back or to the side of the chest may worsen with bending down or drinking liquids

Types of Dysphagia

  • Esophageal dysphagia refers to difficulty swallowing.
  • Oropharyngeal dysphagia involves difficulty transferring food bolus from mouth to upper esophagus.

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Related Documents

The Esophagus Lecture Notes PDF

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