Normal functioning of the esophagus is very important for a person. It is on this body that responsibility lies for the delivery of nutrients necessary for the normal working capacity of all body systems. But sometimes he suffers from various diseases and can not normally perform his functions. The most common diseases of the esophagus are malignant and benign tumors, fistulas, inflammations, diverticulum .
Causes of oesophageal diseases
The main causes of the appearance of diseases of the esophagus are:
- spastic contractions of the smooth musculature of the esophagus;
- systematic irritation of its walls, caused by excessively frequent consumption of very hot and spicy food;
- intentional or accidental poisoning by any acids or caustic alkalis;
- frequent use of alcohol;
- hernia of the esophageal opening of the diaphragm .
The occurrence of diseases can also be affected by injury to the esophagus by foreign objects, for example, the bones of a fish.
Symptoms of diseases of the esophagus
In view of the fact that the main functional disorder in diseases of the esophagus is a difficult passage of food, the main clinical symptom of various disorders is the inability to properly swallow solid foods. It can appear suddenly or develop slowly. Also common symptoms of diseases of the esophagus are severe pain when swallowing and a steady "burning" behind the sternum. In some patients, there is increased separation of saliva and sensation of motion of the esophageal lump.
If the esophageal diseases caused constriction, then such signs as:
- a decrease in appetite;
- feeling of heaviness behind the sternum;
- weakness.
Diagnosis of diseases of the esophagus
Direct observation of the esophagus is unavailable. Therefore, the main method of diagnosing the diseases of this hurricane is X-ray examination of the patient in a horizontal position. If there are symptoms of tumors, then it is necessary to conduct a computer or spiral tomography. These studies make it possible to determine if the neoplasm, the thickness of its walls,
Esophagofibroscopy can also be used to diagnose esophageal diseases. This procedure allows you to examine the mucosa and perform a targeted biopsy from suspicious areas.
Treatment of all diseases of the esophagus is desirable to begin immediately after diagnosis, since this organ is deep enough and extremely gentle. If the scenario for the development of the pathological process is negative, the patient will have to eat food in liquid form before the end of life.