Digestive Disorders Esophageal Disorders

 Esophagus  The organ which moves food from the pharynx to the stomach  Moves food through the process of peristalsis (muscle contractions)

Esophagus ©

 Cancer of the Esophagus  Begins in the inner layer of the esophagus  Usually asymptomatic until the cancer is advanced

Symptoms May Include:  Dysphagia: Difficulty with swallowing  Unintentional weight loss  Pain  Hoarseness or bleeding

Contributing Risk Factors  Heavy alcohol use  Tobacco use  Chronic acid reflux Occurs when stomach acids move up into the esophagus and damage the cells

Acid Reflux  Also known as acid reflux or GERD (gastro esophageal reflux disease)  Occurs when stomach contents and acid regurgitates into the esophagus  The liquid cause inflammation of the lining

Acid Reflux ©

Causes of Acid Reflux  Unknown specific causes  Lifestyle  Diet  Medications  Other medical conditions such as hiatal hernia, diabetes, pregnancy

Treatment  Change in lifestyle  Medications  Surgery

Hiatal Hernia  Hiatus: opening in the diaphragm Esophagus goes through the hiatus to the stomach

Hiatal Hernia  Hernia: any time an internal body part pushes into an area where it doesn’t belong  Hiatal hernia: stomach bulges up into the chest through a hole in the diaphragm

Hiatal Hernia

Causes  Not usually known  Person may be born with a weak hiatus  May form after injury

Treatment  Many people do not have severe symptoms and do not need treatment  Some people treat it with medications (to assist with reflux symptoms)  Surgery for severe cases