5 Signs And Symptoms Of Esophageal Disease

Esophagus, the 9 inch long muscular tube in humans that links the throat to the stomach, is understandably an important organ of the body. It is also dubbed as the transporter of food or the food pipe.

Hence, any disease or disorder in this upper gastrointestinal organ causes esophageal disease which can considerably frustrate the sufferer. Esophageal diseases usually occur due to structural irregularities, malignancy, inflammatory diseases or motility diseases.

It is imperative to immediately seek medical advice whenever the below mentioned signs and symptoms are being experienced by you or somebody whom you know.

Signs And Symptoms Of Esophageal Disease

Esophageal diseases are of numerous forms (GERD, pyrosis, esophagitis, premalignant condition Barrett’s esophagus, inclusive of infections which have the potential to cause esophageal disease). Several signs and symptoms are common between them which tend to make accurate identification rather tricky.

Dysphagia (Swallowing Difficulties)

Many of us aren’t aware of the fact that about fifty sets of muscles along with numerous nerves are working in conjunct for moving swallowed food into the stomach. Thus, dysphagia affects such muscles which leads to problems faced during ingestion like painful sensations when one swallows (termed as odynophagia) or complete inability to swallow or face problems trying to carefully swallow liquids or solids.

Mild To Acute Ranging Pains

Not surprisingly several types of esophageal diseases could be causal to pains ranging from mild to agonizing. Pains could surface abruptly or suddenly, like for instance, a continuous dull, painful feeling in the chest or when one swallows. Nutcracker esophagus is a kind of motility disorder of the esophagus mostly noted in senior citizens which is caused by its irregular movement, often manifesting itself as pains in the chest due to dysphagia.

Uncomfortable Burning Sensation

Several individuals who suffer from Esophageal disease complain about a burning feeling in the chest which tends to radiate to the facial, throat and neck areas. This feeling tends to worsen when one bends or lies down and arises due to acids in the stomach being refuxed into the esophagus, usually known as heartburn.

This burning feeling can even be causal to a disagreeable, sour taste in the mouth. When the esophageal lining is exposed for a lengthy period of time to heartburn then it might cause erosion and have the potential to lead to a pre-cancerous condition known as Barrett’s esophagus.

Also Read

Esophageal Cancer- Risk Factors And Prevention
Esophagitis – Causes And Remedies

Acid Reflux Disease

This is a commonly experienced yet abnormal disorder wherein acids from the stomach are regurgitated (rises or comes up) along with the foods ingested. Several people ailing from esophageal diseases are additionally found to be suffering from this condition.

Lump In The Throat

It is medically termed as globus esophagus and arises due to inflammation in a single or more areas of the throat. It is best described as a feeling of a ball being stuck in the lower portion of the esophagus or an unrelenting feeling of having mucus or a tablet or some thing lodged in the throat when actually there isn’t anything at all.

One can swallow normally, though this situation can turn out to be rather annoying. The person might even complain of slight or acute pains in the chest that might be accompanied by a clicking feeling when one swallows.