Esophagus

Definition of Esophagus:

Commonly called the "food pipe", it is a narrow muscular tube, about nine and a half inches long, that begins below the tongue and ends at the stomach.  It consists of an outer layer of fibrous tissue, a middle layer containing smoother muscle, and an inner membrane, which contains numerous tiny glands.  It has muscular sphincters at both its upper and lower ends.  The upper sphincter relaxes to allow passage of swallowed food that is then propelled down the esophagus into the stomach by the wave-like peristaltic contractions of the esophageal muscles.  There is no protective mucosal layer, so problems can arise when digestive acids reflux into the esophagus from the stomach.

Also: Esophageal

Topics Related to Esophagus

Alcohol-related Problems

...relationship to Esophageal Cancer
“If you are a smoker then heavy alcohol consumption can increase risk of esophageal cancer by 25% to 50%.”

Antacid

...related topic
“Neutralizes acid in the stomach, esophagus, or first part of the duodenum.”
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More topics Related to Esophagus

Aspirin

...as a treatment
“...The American Cancer Society epidemiologists found that while low dose aspirin use had no effect on cancers of most organ systems, the risks were greatly reduced for fatal cancers of the esophagus, stomach, rectum and colon...”

Bariatric Surgery Complications

...the condition
“...Blood clots (more common in those with pre-existing deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, hypertension, or clotting problems); Indigestion; Esophageal dilation (if a lap band surgery patient overeats); Hiatal hernia (lap band surgery only); Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD); Bowel obstruction; Gastrointestinal leakage at stapled or...”

Barrett's Esophagus

...the condition
“The esophagus is a muscular tube that carries food from the mouth to the stomach...”
...relationship to Esophageal Cancer
“The changes in the cells lining the esophagus pose an increased risk for esophageal cancer...”

Bile Duct Cancer

...our question about Aspirin use
“Several studies have noted a reduction in the risk of esophageal, gastric and biliary cancers among regular aspirin users.”

Bone Cancer

...the condition
“...Intravenous use is most common, as these drugs are difficult for the digestive system to absorb and they may cause irritation and ulcers in the esophagus when taken orally...”

Budd-Chiari Syndrome

...the condition
“...Symptoms include ... Bleeding in the esophagus (portal hypertension can lead to varicose veins in the esophagus)...”

Bulimic Tendency

...the condition
“...Other causes of a higher mortality rate include the consequences of chronic vomiting: aspiration pneumonia, gastric or esophageal rupture, acute gastric dilation, tooth decay and pancreatitis...”

Cancer, General

...our question about Aspirin use
“...A 2012 study showed a large reduction in death from esophageal, stomach and colon cancers among daily aspirin users, and a 12% reduction for other types of cancer...”
...recommendation Increased Fish Consumption
“Study subjects who ate two or more servings of fish weekly had a much lower risk for esophageal, stomach, colon, rectum, and pancreatic cancers than those who avoided fish...”
...recommendation Lycopene
“...The benefit was strongest for prostate, lung, and stomach cancers, although protective associations were also found for cancers of the pancreas, colon, rectum, esophagus, oral cavity, breast, and cervix...”
...recommendation Plant-Based Nutrition
“...One study found that people who include generous amounts of fruits and vegetables in their daily diets have lower rates of cancers of the lung, breast, colon, bladder, stomach, mouth, larynx, esophagus, pancreas, and cervix compared to people who avoid such foods...”

Cardiac

...related topic
“Pertaining to the heart, also, pertaining to the stomach area adjacent to the esophagus.”

Cardiospasm

...related topic
“...As a consequence the smooth muscle in the wall of the esophagus must contract more vigorously to force the food past the constricted sphincter...”

Cigarette Smoke Damage

...relationship to Esophageal Cancer
“Nearly 80% of all deaths from esophageal cancer are attributable to cigarette smoking...”
...relationship to Laryngeal Cancer
“...People who stop smoking can greatly reduce their risk of developing cancer of the larynx, as well as cancer of the lung, mouth, pancreas, bladder, and esophagus.”
...relationship to Cancer, General
“...Organs that have direct contact with smoke (lung, oral cavity and esophagus) are at the greatest risk of developing cancer...”

Cirrhosis of the Liver

...the condition
“...For example, bleeding esophageal varices.  Jaundice...”

Clubbed Fingers Or Toes

...the condition
“...These include ... Leiomyoma of the Esophagus...”

Colon Cancer

...recommendation Increased Fish Consumption
“Study subjects who ate two or more servings of fish weekly had a much lower risk for esophageal, stomach, colon, rectum, and pancreatic cancers than those who avoided fish...”

Crohn's Disease

...the condition
“...It is important to note that not only does Crohn's disease affect the small intestine and large intestine, it can also affect the mouth, esophagus, stomach and the anus...”

Dermatomyositis

...the condition
“...Involvement of the striated muscle of the pharynx and upper portion of the esophagus leads to dysphagia and regurgitation...”

Dyspepsia / Poor Digestion

...the condition
“...The upper GI tract consists of the organs where food is initially taken into the body and digestion begins, including the esophagus, stomach, pylorus and duodenum...”

Endometrial Cancer

...recommendation Increased Fish Consumption
“Study subjects who ate two or more servings of fish weekly had a much lower risk for esophageal, stomach, colon, rectum, and pancreatic cancers than those who avoided fish...”

Esophageal Cancer

...the condition
“Cancer that begins in the esophagus is divided into two major types: squamous cell carcinomas, tumors that develop in the tissue lining the hollow organs of the body, and adenocarcinoma, depending on the type of cells that are...”
...our question about Pain between the shoulder blades
“Pain between the shoulder blades is a sign of advanced disease when related to cancer of the esophagus.  Other symptoms such as progressive swallowing difficulty, weight loss, and loss of appetite would normally be present also.”
...recommendation Increased Fish Consumption
“Study subjects who ate two or more servings of fish weekly had a much lower risk for esophageal, stomach, colon, rectum, and pancreatic cancers than those who avoided fish...”

Esophageal Stricture (narrowing)

...the condition
Esophageal stricture, also called benign stricture of the esophagus, is a narrowing of the esophagus, causing swallowing difficulties...”

Esophagitis

...the condition
“Esophagitis is an inflammation of the lining of the esophagus – the tube that carries food from the mouth to the stomach...”

Fanconi Anemia

...the condition
“...By age 50, 30% of FA patients have developed solid tumors, which usually develop in the mouth, tongue, throat, or esophagus but can also occur as tumors of the vulva/vagina, brain, skin, cervix, breast, kidney, lung, lymph nodes, stomach, and colon...”

Gastric Reflux Disease

...related topic
“A common relapsing condition affecting approximately 10% of the U.S. population and caused by an abnormal exposure of the lower esophagus to refluxed gastric contents, causing irritation and injury to the esophageal tissues...”

Gastric/Peptic/Duodenal Ulcers

...the condition
“A peptic ulcer is a hole in the gut lining of the stomach, duodenum, or esophagus.  A peptic ulcer of the stomach is called a gastric ulcer; of the duodenum, a duodenal ulcer; and of the esophagus, an esophageal ulcer...”
...relationship to Esophageal Stricture (narrowing)
“...Over time, scarring may close the pylorus, the lower end of the esophagus, thus preventing the passage of food and causing vomiting and weight loss.”

Gastroenteritis

...the condition
“...Eosinophilic gastroenteritis – Benign eosinophilic infiltration of the gut is a rare disorder which can occur anywhere from the esophagus to the colon, causing symptoms dependent upon the area and tissue layer of bowel involved...”

Gastrointestinal Bleeding

...the condition
“...The next step may include tests such as different types of X-rays and/or endoscopy, depending on whether the doctor suspects that the bleeding is coming from the upper digestive tract (esophagus, stomach, and first segment of the small intestine) or lower digestive tract (lower small intestine, large intestine, rectum, and anus)...”

Germanium

...as a treatment
“...Korean medical literature reports success in treating cancers of the breast, cervix, nervous system, esophagus, and endometrium...”

Green Tea

...as a treatment
“...Green Tea shows special promise against cancer of the esophagus.  Skin care products may contain EGCG...”

H2 Blockers

...related topic
“...They are widely used for the treatment of ulcers as well as for mild cases of esophageal reflux (heartburn)...”

Heartburn

...related topic
“A burning sensation in the stomach, typically extending toward the esophagus, sometimes associated with bringing up acid.”

Heartburn / GERD / Acid Reflux

...the condition
“...Acid Reflux Disease Heartburn is a symptom of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), which is a digestive disorder that affects the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) – the muscle connecting the esophagus with the stomach...”
...our question about Bitter taste in mouth
“Reflux of acid, bile and/or gastric juices into the esophagus may cause a sour or bitter taste.”
...relationship to Crohn's Disease
“Crohn's disease is a chronic ailment that causes inflammation and injury in the colon and other parts of the gastrointestinal tract, including the esophagus.”
...relationship to Barrett's Esophagus
“Chronic GERD can result in Barrett's esophagus.  In Barrett's esophagus, the lining of the esophagus is so badly damaged that a new lining is formed.”
...recommendation Incline Board
“...Gravity may pull the stomach downward and minimize the amount of stomach acid that refluxes into the esophagus.  Many people find that this technique provides the additional relief they are looking for and prevents further esophageal erosion...”
...recommendation Chewing Gum
“...Saliva is rich in esophageal protective factors including epidermal growth factor, mucin, proteins and prostaglandin E2.”
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More topics Related to Esophagus

Hiatal Hernia

...the condition
“A hiatus hernia occurs when the upper part of the stomach moves into the thoracic cavity (chest) through an enlarged esophageal hiatus (opening) in the diaphragm...”
...related topic
“...A hernia may allow stomach acid to flow back into the esophagus ("food pipe"), where it can cause problems...”

Hot Applications (Thermotherapy)

...as a treatment
“...Avoid ... Eyes, esophagus, reproductive areas...”

Increased Fruit/Vegetable Consumption

...as a treatment
“...atherosclerosis and stroke can be reduced through increased fruit and vegetable consumption, as can that of the major cancers of the Western world such as cancer of the stomach, lung, mouth, esophagus, colon and rectum...”

Kaposi's Sarcoma

...the condition
“...The following types of endoscopy are used to examine different parts of the body ... gastroscopy – esophagus and stomach...”

Laryngeal Cancer

...the condition
“...Food passes through the pharynx on the way to the esophagus.  The larynx has a small piece of tissue over it, called the epiglottis, to keep food from going into it or into the air passages...”
...recommendation Increased Fish Consumption
“Study subjects who ate two or more servings of fish weekly had a much lower risk for esophageal, stomach, colon, rectum, and pancreatic cancers than those who avoided fish...”

Lower Esophageal Sphincter

...related topic
“A band of muscle around the bottom of the esophagus where it meets the stomach...”

Molybdenum

...as a treatment
“...Found more in molybdenum-deficient soils, nitrosamines have been associated with high rates of esophageal cancer...”
...related topic
“...Molybdenum deficiencies are associated with esophageal cancer, sexual impotency and tooth decay.”

Occult Blood Tests

...as a treatment
“...Positive test results may also indicate the following ... Bleeding esophageal varices...”

Oral Lichen Planus

...the condition
“...The most common location is inside the cheeks, but it can also affect the gums, tongue, inner lips, throat and esophagus.  Treatments that suppress the immune system may improve the condition, but in general oral lichen planus is a chronic condition that is difficult to manage...”
...our question about Difficulty when swallowing
“Lichen planus lesions in the throat or esophagus may result in esophageal narrowing or the formation of tight, ring-like bands in the esophagus that can make swallowing difficult.”

Orange Peel (Extract)

...as a treatment
“...This ingredient also seems to prevent, at least to some degree, the backup of stomach acid into the esophagus, the principal cause of heartburn pain...”

Oropharyngeal Cancer

...the condition
“...The oropharynx is the middle part of the pharynx, which is the hollow tube about 5 inches long that starts behind the nose and ends where the windpipe and esophagus begin.  It includes the soft palate (rear roof of the mouth), side and rear walls of the throat, tonsils, and the rear 13 of the tongue...”

Osteoporosis - Osteopenia

...the condition
“...It has been associated with severe esophageal irritation and should be used with care in people prone to ulcers or heartburn...”

Ovarian Cancer

...recommendation Increased Fish Consumption
“Study subjects who ate two or more servings of fish weekly had a much lower risk for esophageal, stomach, colon, rectum, and pancreatic cancers than those who avoided fish...”

Pancreatic Cancer

...recommendation Increased Fish Consumption
“Study subjects who ate two or more servings of fish weekly had a much lower risk for esophageal, stomach, colon, rectum, and pancreatic cancers than those who avoided fish...”

Pharynx

...related topic
“A hollow tube about five inches long that starts behind the nose and goes down to the neck to become part of the esophagus (the tube that goes to the stomach).”

Radiation Poisoning

...the condition
“...Symptoms of acute exposure include ... Ulcers of the esophagus, stomach or intestines...”

Rectal Cancer

...recommendation Increased Fish Consumption
“Study subjects who ate two or more servings of fish weekly had a much lower risk for esophageal, stomach, colon, rectum, and pancreatic cancers than those who avoided fish...”

Rumination Syndrome

...the condition
“...Rumination syndrome does not cause any severe physical damage to the human body but can cause problems with the esophagus and result in unhealthy weight loss if left untreated.”

Scleroderma

...the condition
“...CREST stands for Calcinosis, Raynaud's, Esophagus, Sclerodactyly, and Telangiectasia...”

Selenium Requirement

...the condition
“...People taking the selenium supplements had 71% fewer prostate cancers, 67% fewer esophageal cancers, 62% fewer colorectal cancers and 46% fewer lung cancers than the people who were taking the placebos...”

Sjogren's Syndrome

...the condition
“...Inflammation in the esophagus, stomach, pancreas, and liver can cause problems like painful swallowing, heartburn, abdominal pain and swelling, loss of appetite, diarrhea, and weight loss...”

Stomach

...related topic
“...The function of the stomach is to begin digestion by physically breaking down food received from the esophagus.  The tissues of the stomach wall are composed of three types of muscle, creating the structural elasticity and contractility needed for digestion...”

Stomach Cancer

...our question about Vegetarian, vegan or raw-food diet
“An October, 2001 study by Yale School of Medicine researchers has found that a diet high in cholesterol, animal protein and vitamin B12 is linked to increased risk of a specific type of esophageal and stomach cancer, known as adenocarcinoma of the esophagus and gastric cardia, cases of which increased by 300% between the mid-1970s and 2000.”
...recommendation Plant-Based Nutrition
“An October, 2001 study by Yale School of Medicine researchers found that a diet high in cholesterol, animal protein and vitamin B12 is linked to increased risk of a specific type of esophageal and stomach cancer, known as adenocarcinoma of the esophagus and gastric cardia, that has been increasing rapidly...”
...recommendation Increased Fish Consumption
“Study subjects who ate two or more servings of fish weekly had a much lower risk for esophageal, stomach, colon, rectum, and pancreatic cancers than those who avoided fish...”
...recommendation Processed Foods Avoidance
“...Also, Asians who eat a traditional diet – with lots of salt-cured, pickled and smoked foods – have a high rate of stomach and esophageal cancer.  Use herbs and spices to season foods instead.”

Stricture

...related topic
“...Usually refers to the esophageal or gastrointestinal tract.”

Strongyloides stercoralis Infection

...the condition
“...The buccal capsule of both sexes is small, and they possess a long, cylindrical esophagus that lacks a posterior bulb...”

Subphrenic Abscess

...the condition
“...Risk factors for secondary subphrenic abscess include ... puncture/perforation of the lower esophagus...”

Thoracic Duct

...related topic
“...It starts in the little collecting bladder in the abdomen (the cisterna chyli), moves up the center of the body in front of the spinal chord, alongside the esophagus and aorta to the neck, where it drains into the left subclavian vein...”

Thyroid Cancer

...the condition
“...They include a lump in the neck that gradually increases in size, with or without pain; difficulties swallowing or breathing – this can happen occasionally as a result of the cancer pressing on the esophagus or trachea (windpipe)...”

Vinegar

...as a treatment
“...Undiluted vinegar, in liquid or pill form, may damage the esophagus and other parts of the digestive tract over time...”

Yeast / Candida Infection

...our question about Coughing up soft throat curds/lumps
“If you have fungal overgrowth in your esophagus, symptoms may include pain and difficulty in swallowing...”

Zeolites

...as a treatment
“...The ability of Zeolites to bind gastric acid can be dramatically effective in some individuals suffering from painful reflux of gastric acid onto the esophagus.  Other persons with indigestion related to gastric acid may also obtain relief...”
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