Esophagitis
Inflammation occurring anywhere along the esophagus is termed esophagitis. Esophagitis can be instituted by foreign bodies that injure the organ’s lining, by ingestion of caustic substances, and by reflux of stomach contents and acids up into the esophagus. In keeping with the latter cause, chronic, long-term vomiting can also lead to esophagitis.
Regurgitation, loss of appetite, and weight loss are the most frequent signs seen. If left untreated, damage to the lining of the esophagus could occur, causing strictures and secondary megaesophagus.
As with megaesophagus, diagnosis is made using clinical signs, physical exam findings, and endoscopic exam or radiographic X rays of the esophagus using barium as a contrast medium. Treatment of esophagitis consists of treating any primary problems that might be present, and, if stomach acid reflux is to blame, reducing the amount of stomach acid secretions and increasing the rate of stomach emptying.
Esophageal Obstructions
Obstructions can occur secondary to tumors, infections, strictures, and the ingestion of foreign objects (especially bones). As with megaesophagus, obstructions can be diagnosed using radiographs and/or endoscopy. Treatment is aimed at surgical removal of the offending agent.
Inflammation occurring anywhere along the esophagus is termed esophagitis. Esophagitis can be instituted by foreign bodies that injure the organ’s lining, by ingestion of caustic substances, and by reflux of stomach contents and acids up into the esophagus. In keeping with the latter cause, chronic, long-term vomiting can also lead to esophagitis.
Regurgitation, loss of appetite, and weight loss are the most frequent signs seen. If left untreated, damage to the lining of the esophagus could occur, causing strictures and secondary megaesophagus.
As with megaesophagus, diagnosis is made using clinical signs, physical exam findings, and endoscopic exam or radiographic X rays of the esophagus using barium as a contrast medium. Treatment of esophagitis consists of treating any primary problems that might be present, and, if stomach acid reflux is to blame, reducing the amount of stomach acid secretions and increasing the rate of stomach emptying.
Esophageal Obstructions
Obstructions can occur secondary to tumors, infections, strictures, and the ingestion of foreign objects (especially bones). As with megaesophagus, obstructions can be diagnosed using radiographs and/or endoscopy. Treatment is aimed at surgical removal of the offending agent.
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