Most people far from medicine know little about the purpose and methods of examining internal organs. Laboratory tests in the case of checking the esophagus are uninformative. If necessary, it is precisely the imaging examination methods that allow the gastroenterologist to assess the condition of the mucosa, the presence of lesions and pathologies, are most in demand. The article describes how to check the esophagus, basic examination methods and tips on how to avoid excitement and pain during the procedure.
List of the most informative examination methods
The most relevant examination methods to date in gastroenterology:
- visual interrogation and examination of the patient;
- X-ray examination;
- gastroscopic examination;
- CT scan;
- ultrasound examination of the esophagus.
Each of these methods has its pros and cons. Many patients have a question about how to check the esophagus and larynx so that there are no unpleasant or even pain sensations. In fact, modern examination methods are quite painless, and subject to the basic rules of the procedure, only mild discomfort can occur.
What is the function of the esophagus in the body?
Most people do not think about what role the functioning of the esophagus plays in the general state of health. Meanwhile, this is the first organ of the gastrointestinal tract, which is responsible for the beginning of the circulation of food in the human body. And if pathologies arise in the esophagus, then there can be no talk of a healthy and coherent, holistic functioning of the digestive tract.
The main and most important function of the esophagus is to promote the food received from the oral cavity and directly from the pharynx to the stomach cavity.
This is a difficult process that has reflex-automatic characteristics. In some cases, the work of the esophagus may be difficult due to neoplasms, the development of erosion, etc.
What pathologies of the esophagus can the examination show?
As a rule, the examination is carried out in order to detect the presence of the following pathologies and diseases:
- Reflux esophagitis.
- The presence of erosion, ulcers, injuries of the mucosa and muscle layer.
- Violation of the innervation of the cavity of the esophagus.
- Esophagospasm.
- Varicose veins of the esophagus.
- Narrowing of the esophagus.
- Neoplasms of various etiologies.
- Barrett's esophagus.
- Esophagitis.
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease.
- Candidiasis glossitis of the tongue.
Each of them requires follow-up, and some require a serious course of treatment, as they can be a potential danger to life. You can’t try to self-medicate: this can only aggravate the condition. In the presence of any of the above diagnoses, the help of a qualified gastroenterologist is required.
Reasons for the development of esophageal pathologies
The reasons why these or other pathologies of the esophagus develop:
- hereditary predisposition;
- abuse of strong alcoholic beverages (the esophagus is the first organ that takes the “blow” of strong 40-degree drinks);
- eating foods that are high in fasting acid;
- eating excessively hot, burning foods on a regular basis;
- mechanical injuries of the walls of the esophagus;
- bulimia or other disorders in which a person is regularly forced to endure vomiting for a long time;
- inflammatory processes that occur in the body.
How is the esophagus checked if access to the larynx is difficult for some reason? There are external examination methods for this - for example, computed tomography or radiography does not require direct access to the organ. Many patients are afraid of endoscopy and are interested in how to check the esophagus and stomach without gastroscopy. In fact, endoscopy can be completely painless if the procedure is performed by a competent specialist, and the patient follows all the rules of the examination.
Visual interrogation and examination of the patient
It would seem, what information can a doctor give a simple conversation? In fact, an experienced gastroenterologist, based on oral complaints, may suggest a particular diagnosis. When polling, the following points are important:
- are there pains in the esophagus and larynx;
- what kind of pain and discomfort the patient experiences;
- whether the digestion process is normal;
- are there any concomitant chronic diseases;
- how long has the patient been suffering from pain and discomfort in the esophagus.
A visual examination of the larynx alone can also give an idea of the general condition of the mucosa. Of course, usually this information is not enough to make an accurate diagnosis, but in some cases, it is a visual examination and an oral survey that can form an initial and relatively correct clinical picture of an objective examination.
X-ray examination of the esophagus
The accuracy of this study is inferior to computed tomography. However, the picture is easier and faster to make if the patient is unconscious for one reason or another. The X-ray is easy to use, and if done rarely, it is safe for health (with the exception of only some categories of patients).
How to check the esophagus and larynx without gastroscopy, if there is a suspicion of a foreign body? For this purpose, an X-ray examination is perfect. It can also show the following pathologies:
- diaphragm hernias;
- size and deformation of the internal lumen;
- tumors (not always reliably, if there is a suspicion, then the patient is sent additionally to other, more accurate studies);
- diverticulum;
- ulcers and erosion.
Since the esophagus is not a radiopaque organ, the study should be carried out after the introduction of a special fluid. It will allow you to see almost every part of the esophagus in the picture. The liquid is diluted and taken orally immediately before the study. As a rule, it also allows you to assess the condition of the stomach.
How to check the esophagus with x-rays, do I need special preparation? Yes, there are certain rules:
- should not eat 12-10 hours before the study;
- do not drink liquid only in the morning, taking into account night sleep, it turns out that you should not drink anything for 8-9 hours;
- Do not worry and be nervous before conducting a study - this is a completely painless and relatively safe examination.
Gastroscopy of the esophagus - is it really so scary?
This study usually scares patients. The fact that a tube with a tiny camera is stuffed into the larynx right up to the stomach causes psychological rejection. Therefore, often patients ask the question of how to check the esophagus without gastroscopy. In most cases, the doctor manages to persuade the patient to conduct it, since it is the endoscopy that is by far the fastest and easiest way to assess the condition of the esophagus and stomach.
Conducting endoscopy takes only about 10-15 minutes, taking into account all the preparations. If the patient follows the instructions of the gastroenterologist, the procedure will be painless and will not entail negative experiences.
How to avoid pain during gastroscopy?
How can I check the esophagus during gastroscopy? First, the doctor records the patient data. Then he examines the larynx and sprinkles on it a portion of a special spray, which has a local anesthetic effect. Thanks to the use of this spray, the procedure is completely painless and the patient does not suffer from vomiting, which occurs when the larynx is irritated. How to check the esophagus with a tube and camera?
After the spray has worked (usually this occurs within a few minutes), the patient lies on his side on the couch. It is covered with a diaper, separating the area of the face. A plastic holder is placed in the mouth so that the teeth do not damage the tube. The doctor inserts a thin tube into the larynx with a tiny special camera. As you immerse the chamber, you can evaluate the condition of the esophagus. As a rule, a study is carried out not only for the esophagus, but also with the aim of assessing the condition of the mucous and muscle layer of the stomach.
The psychological state of the patient with gastroscopy
If the patient is as relaxed as possible, he will not feel pain - only slight discomfort. Fear and excitement in such studies play a poor role. Judging by the reviews, usually the more nervous the patient, the more he winds himself up, the more he fidgets on the couch - the more excitement the doctor himself, who performs gastroscopy, also experiences.
So do not worry, this procedure has been carried out for many years, and during this time no one has suffered from the actions of a gastroenterologist.
Computed tomography of the esophagus
How to check the esophagus without gastroscopy? Computed tomography is a method that does not provide for the additional input of any instruments into the larynx and esophagus. In addition, this method is suitable for those who are looking for an answer to the question of how to check the esophagus for cancer.
This is a modern diagnostic method that requires special equipment, and a specialist who knows how to use it. Most large hospitals have long had tomographs.
A number of pictures are taken, layered sections of the human body in the esophagus. As a result, we can conclude about the quality and ability of the body to function normally. The method allows you to see even beginning pathological changes, the initial stages of cancer
Ultrasound examination of the esophagus and larynx
Ultrasound is known to all of us since childhood. The method is simple and safe, but in some cases it can cause incorrect diagnostics - it all depends on the experience and qualifications of the ultrasound doctor.
This method is often used as a starting point in the diagnosis of pathologies, especially in children. With the help of ultrasound it is possible to assess the state of the structure of the tissues of the esophagus, its peristalsis, the state of the vessels, adjacent lymph nodes.