In esophageal motility disorders, food and liquids are transported from the mouth to the stomach through a muscular tube. It's common for esophageal motility disorders to cause difficulty swallowing, chest pain, and other uncomfortable symptoms. Here are some basics on esophageal motility disorders, including their causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.
Causes
Esophageal motility disorders can have various underlying causes, including:
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Weakness or dysfunction of the muscles in the esophagus can disrupt its ability to move food and liquids.
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Damage to the nerves controlling esophageal function can interfere with muscle coordination.
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Food movement can be impeded by structural abnormalities in the esophagus, such as strictures or narrowing.
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Acid reflux disease (GERD): Over time, chronic acid reflux can irritate the esophageal lining and interfere with motility.
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Medications: Certain medications, such as antidepressants and calcium channel blockers, can affect esophageal function.
Symptoms
Symptoms of esophageal motility disorders can vary depending on the specific condition, but may include:
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Having difficulty swallowing, including a sensation that food is stuck in the throat or chest.
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Pain in the chest, particularly after swallowing.
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A regurgitation occurs when swallowed food or liquid returns to the mouth after swallowing.
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Acid reflux is often accompanied by heartburn, a burning sensation in the chest or throat.
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If food becomes lodged in the esophagus, some individuals may experience nausea or vomiting.
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Unintentional weight loss can occur over time due to difficulty swallowing.
Diagnosis
A combination of clinical evaluations and diagnostic tests is typically used to diagnose esophageal motility disorders. Diagnostic steps may include:
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Your healthcare provider will review your symptoms and medical history as well as perform a physical examination.
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To assess the function and movement of the esophagus, imaging tests such as barium swallow studies or esophageal manometry may be used.
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Upper endoscopy is used to visually inspect the esophagus and rule out structural abnormalities.
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A pH monitoring test measures the acidity in the esophagus over time, which can help diagnose GERD-related motility problems.
Treatment
Esophageal motility disorders can be treated in several ways to alleviate symptoms and improve esophageal function.
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You can ease swallowing difficulties by avoiding foods that trigger symptoms, eating smaller, more frequent meals, and chewing food thoroughly.
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In order to reduce acid reflux and improve esophageal motility, proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), prokinetic agents, and other medications may be prescribed.
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In the case of esophageal strictures or narrowing, esophageal dilation may be performed in order to widen the esophagus.
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In severe cases or when other treatments are ineffective, surgical intervention may be needed to correct structural abnormalities or strengthen the lower esophageal sphincter.
Prevention
While it is not always possible to prevent esophageal motility disorders, some strategies may help reduce the risk of symptoms or complications, including:
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It is important to avoid known triggers, such as certain foods or beverages that aggravate acid reflux.
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The best way to prevent acid reflux is to maintain a healthy weight and avoid excessive alcohol consumption.
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If you experience persistent symptoms of heartburn, difficulty swallowing, or chest pain, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible.
As a result, esophageal motility disorders can have a significant impact on quality of life and may require medical intervention to manage symptoms effectively. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment will help individuals with these disorders live healthier, more comfortable lives.
