Diseases of the esophagus

Despite the simple (to some extent) structure of the esophagus, it performs very important tasks. Its main function is the delivery of a lump of food into the stomach through the digestive tract.

Emerging diseases of the esophagus can easily go to the anatomical areas that are next to it. Near this organ are such vital parts of the human body as: carotid artery, aorta, pleura, trachea and others. In addition, surgical intervention in his area is greatly hindered by difficult access to it. However, some diseases of the esophagus, for example, peptic ulcer or achalasia, are treated with physiotherapy, diet or medication. It should be noted that today the involvement of surgeons is carried out only in cases of extreme necessity.

The most accessible method of instrumental research in the case of esophageal disease is the X-ray study. Thus the patient swallows a lump of a contrast substance that allows to reveal contours of an organ and to trace its peristalsis. X-ray examination is carried out in oblique projections of the body, in view of the fact that under the direct projection of the translucence, the shadow of the esophagus layers on the shadow of the mediastinum. The horizontal position of the patient allows more accurate evaluation of the manifestations, diverticula and polyps of the organ.

Diseases of the esophagus, as a rule, are accompanied by a feeling of raspiraniya, pressure or fullness beyond the sternum. Dysphagia, pain, regurgitation or belching are also observed. Attacks of severe cough, hiccough, heartburn or bleeding are less frequent.

With dysphagia, it is difficult to swallow and move the lump of food along the esophagus and in the pharynx. In connection with these difficulties, pain occurs. Delay in food can be caused by a violation (weakening) of the muscle tone, the formation of scar scarring, a germinating tumor or external compression of the esophagus. The delayed food irritates the walls of the organ, causing compression in the adjacent organs of the mediastinum, plexuses and nerve trunks.

The onset of pain can be associated with severe cardiospasm, cancerous lesions, or peptic ulcer of the esophagus.

An eructation can occur in a healthy person. It occurs as a result of ingestion of air when eating. Often, the ingestion of a large amount of air is characteristic of persons suffering from a neurosis. Hyper secretion of the stomach causes an eructation with acidic contents.

With esophageal vomiting, the vomit contains chewed, processed only mucus and saliva food. Vomiting can occur with tilts, bends on the side or in the horizontal position of the trunk.

When thrown into the conducting body of acidic gastric contents arises heartburn (burning sensation and heat).

The formation of esophageal-tracheal or esophageal-bronchial fistulas is the result of the development of an abscess or tumor of the esophagus.

Bleeding is associated with varicose veins (with cirrhosis, increased pressure in the portal vein system), ulcer in the conducting organ or a disintegrating tumor. As a result, exhaustion develops and rapidly develops.

In cases of violation of swallowing, for the prevention of constriction and scarring with chemical burn, bougie is prescribed for the esophagus. This technique is the blocking of the organ with the help of rubber probes. Determination of the degree of narrowing of the esophagus is performed with x-rays. Buzhirovanie is contraindicated for patients in serious condition. Contraindication is necrotic esophagitis (acute inflammation), since complications in the form of its exacerbation occur quite often. At the same time on the extractable probe there are traces of blood.