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

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

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