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 located next to it. Vital areas of the human body, such as the carotid artery, aorta, pleura, trachea, and others, are located next to this organ. In addition, surgical intervention in his area is significantly hampered by difficult access to him. However, some diseases of the esophagus, such as 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 emergency.
The most accessible method of instrumental research in the event of an esophageal disease is considered an X-ray examination. In this case, the patient swallows a lump of contrast medium, which allows to identify the contours of the organ and follow its peristalsis. An X-ray examination is carried out in oblique projections of the body, due to the fact that with a direct projection of translucency, the esophagus shades on the mediastinal shadow. The horizontal position of the patient allows you to more accurately assess the manifestations, diverticula and polyps of the organ.
Esophageal diseases are usually accompanied by a feeling of fullness, pressure or fullness beyond the sternum. Dysphagia, pain, regurgitation, or burping are also observed. Attacks of severe coughing, hiccups, heartburn, or bleeding are less common.
With dysphagia, swallowing and movement of a lump of food along the esophagus and pharynx is difficult. In connection with these difficulties, pain occurs. Delayed food can be caused by a violation (weakening) of muscle tone, the formation of cicatricial narrowing, a germinating tumor or external compression of the esophagus. Delayed food irritates the walls of the organ, causing compression in the adjacent organs of the mediastinum, plexus and nerve trunks.
The occurrence of pain may be associated with severe cardiospasm, cancerous lesion, or peptic ulcer of the esophagus.
Belching can occur in a healthy person. It occurs due to ingestion of air when eating. Often, a large amount of air is swallowed by people suffering from neurosis. Hypersecretion of the stomach causes belching with acidic contents.
With esophageal vomiting in the vomit contains chewed, processed only by mucus and saliva food. Vomiting can occur when bending, turning sideways or in a horizontal position of the body.
When acidic gastric contents are thrown into the conductive organ, heartburn occurs (burning sensation and warmth).
The formation of an esophageal-tracheal or esophageal-bronchial fistula is the result of the development of an abscess or tumor of the esophagus.
Bleeding is associated with varicose veins (with cirrhosis of the liver, increased pressure in the portal vein system), an ulcer in a conducting organ, or a decaying tumor. As a result, exhaustion occurs and develops rapidly.
In cases of swallowing disorders, for prevention of narrowing and scarring with a chemical burn prescribe esophageal bougienage. This technique is blocking an organ using rubber probes. Determining the degree of narrowing of the esophagus is done with x-rays. Probing is contraindicated in patients in serious condition. A contraindication is necrotic esophagitis (acute inflammation), since complications in the form of its exacerbation are quite common. In this case, traces of blood remain on the removed probe.