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The esophagus, usually described as the food pipe, plays an important role in digestion by
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transporting food from the mouth to the stomach. However, various conditions can impact its Jan 15, 2024
function, leading to discomfort and serious health issues. Understanding these common conditions
is crucial for early detection, proper management, and maintaining overall well-being. Blood in Stool? – is it a
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Dr. Samrat Jankar is a board-certified gastroenterologist & GI surgeon in Pune, With 15+ years Jan 9, 2024
of experience in diagnosing and treating various esophageal conditions.
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Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): Dec 18, 2023
An esophageal stricture directs to the narrowing of the esophagus, usually due to scar tissue
formation from chronic acid reflux, ingestion of corrosive substances, or conditions like
eosinophilic esophagitis.
Symptoms may include dysphagia, chest pain, and even food getting stuck in the throat
(regurgitation).
Treatment approaches may include stretching the esophagus (dilation) or surgical intervention, as
advised by Dr. Jankar based on the severity of the stricture and underlying cause.
Esophageal Cancer:
Esophageal cancer can occur from various factors, including chronic irritation from GERD,
smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and certain genetic conditions, and is often diagnosed
at an advanced stage, leading to poor prediction.
Symptoms often manifest in developed stages and may include difficulty swallowing,
unintentional weight loss, chest pain, and hoarseness.
Early detection through screening and diagnostic procedures such as endoscopy is vital for
improved treatment outcomes, which may involve surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy.
Barrett's Esophagus:
Barrett’s esophagus is a situation where the lining of the esophagus changes due to chronic acid
reflux, raising the risk of esophageal cancer.
According to Dr. Jankar, the importance of regular monitoring for patients with Barrett’s
esophagus is to detect any symptoms of cancer early.
Treatment may involve medications to control acid reflux, endoscopy, and in some cases, surgical
intervention as recommended by Dr. Jankar.
Achalasia:
Achalasia is a rare esophageal motility disorder characterized by the failure of the lower
esophageal sphincter (LES) to relax and impaired peristalsis, leading to difficulty swallowing and
regurgitation of food.
Signs may mimic those of GERD initially but progress to include chest pain, weight loss, and
aspiration pneumonia.
Treatment options include pneumatic dilation, surgical myotomy, or botulinum toxin injection to
relax the LES and improve esophageal emptying.
Esophagitis:
Esophagitis is the inflammation of the esophagus, which can occur due to various causes such as
GERD, infections, or allergies.
Chest pain, heartburn, difficulty swallowing, and painful swallowing are possible symptoms.
Treatment usually consists of changing lifestyle habits in addition to managing the underlying
cause, such as acid suppression for GERD-related esophagitis or antibiotics for infections.
If you experience any ongoing symptoms that indicate an esophageal problem, such as heartburn,
difficulty swallowing, or chest pain, consult with the best gastroenterologist, Dr. Samrat Jankar
for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Persistent heartburn
Swallowing difficulty
Chest pain
Regurgitation (bringing up food)
Unexplained weight loss
Bleeding in the esophagus
Seek immediate medical attention if you suffering from any of the following:
Persistent swallowing difficulty: When you are completely unable to take in liquids or solid food.
Constant chest pain
Vomiting blood
Consult a gastroenterologist if you have any issues regarding the health of your esophagus. They can
do tests to determine what’s causing your symptoms and advise the best course of action.
Conclusion:
Understanding these common disorders that affect the esophagus is crucial for early detection and
effective management. If you experience any ongoing symptoms that suggest an esophageal
problem, such as heartburn, difficulty swallowing, or chest pain, consult with the best
gastroenterologist, Dr. Samrat Jankar for proper diagnosis and treatment. By managing esophageal
problems promptly, you can help maintain your digestive health and overall well-being.