1. Digestive Disorders Esophageal Disorders

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

3. Esophagus ©http://www.massgeneral.org/cancer/crr/types/thoracic/illustrations/images/esophagus_front.jpg

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

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

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

7. 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

8. Acid Reflux ©http://www.medicinenet.com/gastroesophageal_reflux_disease_gerd/article.htm

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

10. Treatment  Change in lifestyle  Medications  Surgery

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

12. 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

13. Hiatal Hernia

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

15. 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