Esophagus

About the Esophagus

The esophagus is a muscular tube that connects the mouth to the stomach. Its main function is to carry food and liquids from the mouth to the stomach through coordinated muscular contractions known as peristalsis.

Normal esophageal function is essential for swallowing and helps prevent stomach contents from flowing back toward the chest. Esophageal disorders may cause symptoms such as heartburn, difficulty swallowing, or pain when eating.

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Common Esophageal Conditions

Dysphagia
Difficulty swallowing that may be associated with narrowing of the esophagus, movement disorders, or inflammation.
👉 Read more – Dysphagia

Bad Breath
In some cases, bad breath may be associated with esophageal disorders or chronic reflux that allows food residue to accumulate.
👉 Read more – Bad breath

Eosinophilic Esophagitis
A chronic inflammatory condition of the esophagus, often associated with allergic mechanisms, that may cause difficulty swallowing or a feeling that food is stuck.
👉 Read more – Eosinophilic esophagitis

Esophageal Cancer
A serious condition that may cause progressively worsening difficulty swallowing, weight loss, and pain when swallowing.
👉 Read more – Esophageal cancer

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
One of the most common esophageal disorders, causing heartburn and the backflow of stomach acid into the esophagus.
👉 Read more – Gastroesophageal reflux disease

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Symptoms Associated with the Esophagus

Common symptoms include:

• A burning sensation in the chest, known as heartburn.
• Regurgitation of stomach contents.
• Difficulty swallowing.
• Pain when swallowing.
• A feeling that food is stuck.
• A chronic cough or throat irritation.
• Unexplained weight loss.

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Diagnosing Esophageal Conditions

The diagnostic assessment usually includes specific examinations that help identify the cause of the symptoms:

• Gastroscopy.
• Digestive tract biopsy.
• Reflux monitoring through esophageal pH testing.
• Abdominal ultrasound when further assessment is needed.

The choice of examination depends on your symptoms and clinical findings.

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When to Consult a Doctor

You should seek medical advice if you experience:

• Progressively worsening difficulty swallowing.
• Severe chest pain.
• Unexplained weight loss.
• Bleeding or vomiting blood.
• Persistent reflux symptoms that do not improve.

Early identification and treatment of esophageal conditions are essential for preventing complications and preserving normal digestive function.

For a specialist assessment and further diagnostic guidance, you can arrange an appointment at Klinika Kajo.

👉 Book a gastro-hepatology appointment here