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Esophagitis, also spelled oesophagitis, is a disease characterized by inflammation of the esophagus. The esophagus is a tube composed of a mucosal lining, and longitudinal and circular smooth muscle fibers. It connects the pharynx to the stomach; swallowed food and liquids normally pass through it. [1]
In gastroenterology, esophageal pH monitoring is the current gold standard for diagnosis of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). It provides direct physiologic measurement of acid in the esophagus and is the most objective method to document reflux disease, assess the severity of the disease and monitor the response of the disease to medical or surgical treatment.
While the diagnosis of lymphocytic esophagitis depends on the biopsy results, certain changes can be visualized directly at the time of endoscopy. The esophagus may be narrow in calibre, [5] may show multiple rings, [5] redness, [5] linear furrows [1] or the mucosal lining may slide demonstrating a "crepe-paper" appearance. [1]
Esophageal candidiasis is an opportunistic infection of the esophagus by Candida albicans. The disease usually occurs in patients in immunocompromised states, including post-chemotherapy and in AIDS. However, it can also occur in patients with no predisposing risk factors, and is more likely to be asymptomatic in those patients. [1]
Barium X-ray examinations are useful tools for the study of appearance and function of the parts of the gastrointestinal tract. They are used to diagnose and monitor esophageal reflux, dysphagia, hiatus hernia, strictures, diverticula, pyloric stenosis, gastritis, enteritis, volvulus, varices, ulcers, tumors, and gastrointestinal dysmotility, as well as to detect foreign bodies.
Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is an allergic inflammatory condition of the esophagus that involves eosinophils, a type of white blood cell. In healthy individuals, ...
GERD sometimes causes injury to the esophagus. These injuries may include one or more of the following: Reflux esophagitis – inflammation of esophageal epithelium which can cause ulcers near the junction of the stomach and esophagus [19] Esophageal strictures – the persistent narrowing of the esophagus caused by reflux-induced inflammation
Some people also experience a sensation known as globus esophagus, where it feels as if a ball is lodged in the lower part of the esophagus. The following are additional diseases and conditions that affect the esophagus: Achalasia [1] Acute esophageal necrosis; Barrett's esophagus; Boerhaave syndrome; Caustic injury to the esophagus; Chagas disease