- a botulinum toxin (Botox) injection to relax the muscles in your esophagus
- surgery to cut one of the muscles in your esophagus to weaken contractions
- a POEM procedure (peroral endoscopic myotomy), which uses an endoscope rather than traditional surgery to cut back a section of muscle within the esophagus
What are the treatment options for esophageal dysphagia?
Treatment approaches for esophageal dysphagia may include: Try esophageal dilation with an endoscope with a special balloon attached to expand your esophagus, or use a tube to give your esophagus a stretch. Use surgery to remove a tumor, pharyngeal diverticula or other things that block the esophagus.
What is esophagitis and how is it treated?
Esophagitis is inflammation of the esophagus that may impair tissues of the esophagus. As the disorder progresses, the inflammation may lead to fibrosis and stricture. Common signs and symptoms of esophagitis include: Treatment for Esophagitis may include:
How do you treat esophageal sphincters?
This strengthens the sphincter and prevents acid from backing up into the esophagus. A newer treatment involves minimally invasive surgery to place a ring of tiny magnetic titanium beads around the junction of the stomach and esophagus.
How do medications treat Barrett’s esophagus?
If you have Barrett’s esophagus and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), your doctor will treat you with acid-suppressing medicines called proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). These medicines can prevent further damage to your esophagus and, in some cases, heal existing damage. All of these medicines are available by prescription.
How do you fix a twisted esophagus?
Surgery. The only permanent cure for esophageal spasms is a surgical procedure called myotomy. The surgeon cuts the thick muscle in the lower part of the esophagus. This is only recommended in severe cases when medications and injections don't work.
What causes a bent esophagus?
The most common cause of an esophageal stricture is long-standing gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), where stomach acid backs up from the stomach into the esophagus and causes esophageal inflammation, which can lead to scarring and narrowing over time.
What are the symptoms of a twisted esophagus?
SymptomsSqueezing pain in your chest. ... Difficulty swallowing solids and liquids, sometimes related to swallowing specific substances, such as red wine or extremely hot or cold liquids.The feeling that an object is stuck in your throat.The return of food and liquids back up your esophagus (regurgitation).
How can I naturally relax my esophagus?
Choose food that is warm or cool. Let foods and drinks that are very hot or very cold sit for a bit before eating or drinking them. Suck a peppermint lozenge. Peppermint oil is a smooth muscle relaxant and might help ease esophageal spasms.
Can esophagus repair itself?
The esophagus is a complex organ comprising nonredundant tissue that does not have the ability to regenerate. Hence, surgical repair and/or replacement of the esophagus are the only feasible treatment options upon extensive structural damage.
Who treats esophagus problems?
A gastroenterologist is a physician with specialized training in managing diseases of the gastrointestinal tract (esophagus, stomach, small intestine, colon and rectum, pancreas, gallbladder, bile ducts and liver).
How long does it take for esophagus to heal?
It might take 1 to 3 weeks to heal. Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor or nurse call line if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take.
Does omeprazole help esophageal spasms?
Your doctor also may recommend over-the-counter acid reducers, such as famotidine (Pepcid AC), cimetidine (Tagamet HB), or omeprazole (Prilosec). Eat several small meals instead of two or three large meals. After you eat, wait 2 to 3 hours before you lie down. Chocolate, mint, and alcohol can make GERD worse.
Is esophageal stricture life threatening?
Many patients need more than one dilation over time to keep the esophagus wide enough for food to pass through. In rare cases, severe and untreated esophageal strictures can cause perforations (small rips), which can be life-threatening.
What foods heal the esophagus?
Medical research shows that it may also help prevent Barrett's esophagus from worsening and lower your risk of cancer in the esophagus....Fiberfresh, frozen, and dried fruit.fresh and frozen vegetables.whole-grain breads and pasta.brown rice.beans.lentils.oats.couscous.More items...
Is esophageal stretching painful?
Is Esophageal Dilation Painful? While minimally invasive, esophageal dilation can cause bruising and soreness. Some patients may experience discomfort during the procedure, and pain when swallowing in the days afterward.
How do you strengthen your esophagus muscles?
8 Exercises to Strengthen the Esophagus and Minimize Dysphagic SymptomsBlow out as slowly as possible (five repetitions)Blow into a balloon and inflate as much as possible.Blow into a pinwheel to create movement.Blow into a straw to create bubbles in water.More items...•
What is the procedure to expand the esophagus?
A gastroenterologist may perform a procedure to expand (dilate) the esophagus. This treatment is generally used only when the narrowing is very severe or food has become lodged in the esophagus. In esophageal dilation, your doctor uses one or more endoscopic devices — small narrow tubes inserted through the esophagus.
How to treat drug induced esophagitis?
Your doctor may recommend: Taking an alternative drug that is less likely to cause drug-induced esophagitis. Taking a liquid version of a medication if possible.
What is the term for inflammation of the lining of the esophagus?
Esophagitis is inflammation that damages the lining of the esophagus. An endoscope — a long, flexible tube equipped with a camera — may be used to see inside your esophagus. This endoscopic image of eosinophilic esophagitis shows rings of abnormal tissue (esophageal rings) resulting from chronic inflammation.
How does titanium help with acid reflux?
This strengthens the sphincter and prevents acid from backing up into the esophagus . A newer treatment involves minimally invasive surgery to place a ring of tiny magnetic titanium beads around the junction of the stomach and esophagus. In that position, the ring of beads strengthens the lower esophageal sphincter, preventing acid reflux.
Why is fundoplication used?
Fundoplication may be used to improve the condition of the esophagus if other interventions don't work. A portion of the stomach is wrapped around the valve separating the esophagus and stomach (lower esophageal sphincter). This strengthens the sphincter and prevents acid from backing up into the esophagus.
How to test for esophagitis?
Doctors guide a long, thin tube equipped with a tiny camera (endoscope) down your throat and into the esophagus. Using this instrument, your doctor can look for any unusual appearance of the esophagus and remove small tissue samples for testing. The esophagus may look different depending on the cause of the inflammation, such as drug-induced or reflux esophagitis. You'll be lightly sedated during this test.
What is the best medicine for heartburn?
Herbal remedies sometimes used for heartburn or reflux symptoms include licorice, slippery elm, chamomile, marshmallow and others. Herbal remedies can have serious side effects, and they may interfere with medications. Ask your doctor about a safe dosage before beginning any herbal remedy. Relaxation therapies.
What is the treatment for Barrett's esophagus?
Gastroenterologists at Johns Hopkins developed the use of cryoablation therapy, an effective treatment for Barrett's esophagus. Ablation therapy may cause Barrett's esophagus to regress. Medications will be given to suppress your stomach acid. Then, during an endoscopy, thermal injury is administered to the abnormal mucous lining.
What is the name of the doctor who treats Barrett's esophagus?
Doctors at Johns Hopkins are at the forefront of diagnosing and treating Barrett's esophagus. In fact, gastroenterologists at Hopkins pioneered the use of cryoablation, a revolutionary new therapy, to treat Barrett's esophagus.
How often do you need an endoscopy for Barrett's?
Patients with low-grade dysplasia may need an endoscopy every three to six months. Patients with high-grade dysplasia may need to undergo an esophagectomy (removal of the esophagus) because of the increased risk of cancer.
What is the goal of surgery for reflux disease?
Some patients prefer a surgical approach as an alternative to a lifetime of taking medications. The goal of surgery for reflux disease is to strengthen the anti-reflux barrier.
Can antacids cause reflux?
Over-the-counter antacids are best for intermittent and relatively infrequent symptoms of reflux. When taken frequently, antacids may worsen the problem. They leave the stomach quickly, and your stomach actually increases acid production as a result.
What is the best way to remove abnormal esophagus tissue?
Radiofrequency ablation, which uses heat to remove abnormal esophagus tissue. Radiofrequency ablation may be recommended after endoscopic resection. Cryotherapy, which uses an endoscope to apply a cold liquid or gas to abnormal cells in the esophagus. The cells are allowed to warm up and then are frozen again.
What is the best treatment for esophageal cancer?
But, given the risk of esophageal cancer, treatment may be recommended if the diagnosis is confirmed. Preferred treatments include: Endoscopic resection , which uses an endoscope to remove damaged cells to aid in the detection of dysplasia and cancer. Radiofrequency ablation, which uses heat to remove abnormal esophagus tissue.
What is the procedure to remove a hernia?
GERD surgery. GERD surgery. Laparoscopic anti-reflux surgery for GERD may involve a procedure to reinforce the lower esophageal sphincter, called Nissen fundoplication. In this procedure, the surgeon wraps the top of the stomach around the lower esophagus after reducing the hiatal hernia, if present.
How to treat GERD?
Treatment for GERD. Medication and lifestyle changes can ease your signs and symptoms. Surgery or endoscopy procedures to correct a hiatal hernia or to tighten the lower esophageal sphincter that controls the flow of stomach acid may be an option.
What is the screening for Barrett's esophagus?
Screening for Barrett's esophagus. Barrett's esophagus has a distinct appearance when viewed during an endoscopy exam. During endoscopy, the doctor passes a flexible tube with a video camera at the tip (endoscope) down your throat and into the swallowing tube (your esophagus).
What is the tube that is passed down your throat?
A lighted tube with a camera at the end (endoscope) is passed down your throat to check for signs of changing esophagus tissue. Normal esophagus tissue appears pale and glossy. In Barrett's esophagus, the tissue appears red and velvety. Your doctor will remove tissue (biopsy) from your esophagus. The biopsied tissue can be examined to determine ...
Is Barrett's esophagus a low grade or high grade?
No dysplasia, if Barrett's esophagus is present but no precancerous changes are found in the cells. Low-grade dysplasia, if cells show small signs of precancerous changes. High-grade dysplasia, if cells show many changes. High-grade dysplasia is thought to be the final step before cells change into esophageal cancer.
What is the treatment for Barrett's esophagus?
If you have Barrett’s esophagus and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), your doctor will treat you with acid-suppressing medicines called proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). These medicines can prevent further damage to your esophagus and, in some cases, heal existing damage.
How long does it take to recover from esophageal surgery?
The surgery is performed at a hospital. You’ll receive general anesthesia, and you’ll stay in the hospital for 7 to 14 days after the surgery to recover.
What is endoscopic ablative therapy?
Endoscopic ablative therapies use different techniques to destroy the dysplasia in your esophagus. After the therapies, your body should begin making normal esophageal cells. A doctor, usually a gastroenterologist or surgeon, performs these procedures at certain hospitals and outpatient centers.
How does Barrett's mucosal resection work?
In endoscopic mucosal resection, your doctor lifts the Barrett’s tissue, injects a solution underneath or applies suction to the tissue, and then cuts the tissue off. The doctor then removes the tissue with an endoscope. Gastroenterologists perform this procedure at certain hospitals and outpatient centers. You will receive local anesthesia to numb your throat and a sedative to help you relax and stay comfortable.
What is the procedure to numb your throat?
You will receive local anesthesia to numb your throat and a sedative to help you relax and stay comfortable. Before performing an endoscopic mucosal resection for cancer, your doctor will do an endoscopic ultrasound. Complications can include bleeding or tearing of your esophagus.
Can you have anti-reflux surgery for GERD?
Your doctor may consider anti-reflux surgery if you have GERD symptoms and don’t respond to medicines. However, research has not shown that medicines or surgery for GERD and Barrett’s esophagus lower your chances of developing dysplasia or esophageal adenocarcinoma. .
Overview
The esophagus is the hollow, muscular tube that passes food and liquid from your throat to your stomach. It functions as part of your digestive system.
Function
The primary function of your esophagus is to carry food and liquid from your mouth to your stomach. When you swallow, food and liquid first move from your mouth to your throat (pharynx). A small muscular flap called the epiglottis closes to prevent food and liquid from going down the “ wrong pipe ” — your windpipe (trachea).
Anatomy
The esophagus is located in the center of your chest in an area called the mediastinum. It lies behind your windpipe (trachea) and in front of your spine.
Conditions and Disorders
The most common problem that can affect your esophagus is acid reflux. Acid reflux occurs when your lower esophageal sphincter opens when it’s not supposed to. This allows stomach acid and digestive juices to flow back from your stomach into your esophagus. This can cause inflammation and heartburn.
What to do if your esophagus isn't working?
Peppermint is a natural smooth muscle relaxant. If this doesn't work, you may be asked to try a calcium channel blocker, often also given for heart issues, or a tricyclic antidepressant. Botulinum injections into the esophagus.
What is the diagnosis of esophageal spasms?
Esophageal Spasm Diagnosis. Because spasms cause symptoms similar to a heart attack, your doctor will first run tests to check your heart health. It’s important to rule out angina, a type of chest pain caused by coronary artery disease. Continued.
Why does my esophagus spasm?
That means there’s a problem with how the muscles in the food pipe squeeze together (contract) to move contents through the rest of the gastrointestinal (GI) system. Nerve signals from the brain tell the muscles in your esophagus to contract when you swallow something. Faulty nerve signaling may play a role in whether or not you develop this condition.
What does it feel like to have a spasm in your throat?
The spasms can be severe enough to wake you from sleep and may feel like a heart attack . If you have sudden chest pain or other signs of a heart attack, call 911 or go to the nearest hospital emergency room. Other symptoms of esophageal spasms can include: Feeling like something is stuck in your throat.
How to stop spasms from a syringe?
Know and avoid your triggers. Make a list of the things that cause your spasms, and work to stay away from them. Watch food and drink temperature. Give foods that are very hot or very cold a chance to come to a more moderate temperature before you eat or drink them. Control your stress.
Can you have both GERD and esophageal spasms?
You can have both GERD and esophageal spasms. Continued. Tests your doctor may order include: Upper endoscopy. The doctor inserts a flexible scope with a camera on the end into your esophagus. This allows them to see your esophagus and stomach. It can help diagnose or rule out GERD and other GI conditions.
Can you take esophageal spasms at home?
This is only recommended in severe cases when medications and injections don’t work. Esophageal Spasm Home Care. Alongside your treatment, you can also help manage your esophageal spasms at home. You can: Know and avoid your triggers. Make a list of the things that cause your spasms, and work to stay away from them.
What is the treatment for reflux?
Patients with complaints of reflux are often treated with medication which lowers the acidity of the stomach contents coming up into the esophagus. Occasionally another medication is added which causes the stomach to empty more rapidly, reducing the amount of material entering the esophagus.
What is the procedure for reflux?
The surgery most commonly done for patients with reflux disease is called a Nissen fundoplication. This surgery involves bringing a portion of the upper stomach up around the lower esophagus and suturing it in place, creating an "artificial valve.".
What causes strictures in the esophagus?
Achalasia is condition of the esophagus in which the normal motility is absent with a narrowing of the esophagus which can cause difficulty swallowing, regurgitation of food and chest pain. Other strictures (narrowing) of the esophagus can be caused by acid reflux which can cause scarring that narrows the esophagus or tumors of the inside or outside wall of the esophagus. The gastroenterologists and gastrointestinal surgeons at UC Davis Medical Center work together in completely assessing the patient to assure a correct diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan are made for each individual. Laparoscopic and thoracoscopic surgery can often solve these problems with a minimally invasive approach that involves small incisions in the chest or abdomen.
What is the procedure to evaluate before surgery?
Evaluation prior to surgery usually includes an upper endoscopy (looking down your esophagus with a camera), esophageal manometry (measuring the pressure in your esophagus) and a gastric emptying scan (measuring how long it takes your stomach to empty).
What are the symptoms of esophageal reflux?
One of the most common complaints of patients with esophageal reflux is heartburn, the sensation of pain or burning below the breastbone . This complaint frequently follows meals, though some patients experience these symptoms between meals, at bedtime or upon arising. Patients with more severe symptoms complain of food or fluid coming up into the mouth, being awakened at night coughing or wheezing due to aspirated fluid or difficulty swallowing as a result of stomach acid causing an ulcer or narrowing of the esophagus.
What is the precursor to esophageal cancer?
One precursor to esophageal cancer that is also being more commonly diagnosed is a condition called Barrett’s esophagus, thought to be caused by gastroesophageal reflux (heartburn). In the early stages, this may be treated by an anti-reflux procedure (described above).
Is esophageal cancer a cancer?
Cancer of the esophagus. Over the past 15 years, there has been a notable rise in the number of cases of esophageal cancer diagnosed in the United States. Early diagnosis followed by a combination of surgery and/or radiation and chemotherapy has resulted in an improvement in the survival rates for patients with this disease.
What is the treatment for esophageal cancer?
Often, treatment for esophageal cancer includes a combination of chemotherapy and radiation therapy before surgery. Chemotherapy can cause many side effects like nausea, hair loss and increased risk of infection. Your medical team will work with you to manage pain and any other side effects during your treatment.
What is the procedure to remove esophageal cancer?
Types of Esophageal Cancer Surgery. Surgical treatments for esophageal cancer include: Transhiatal surgery: In this procedure, the surgeon makes incisions in the neck and abdomen in order to remove the tumor.
How does chemo help with esophageal cancer?
Chemotherapy for esophageal cancer. Chemotherapy, or medical oncology, uses powerful drugs to kill cancerous cells and prevent them from coming back. It is one of the most common cancer treatments. In most cases, chemotherapy works by interfering with the cancer cells’ ability to grow and reproduce. Immunotherapy, a related treatment, works by ...
How does esophageal cancer affect the body?
Esophageal cancer uniquely affects the body’s ability to receive nutrition normally (through eating and drinking). Many people experience malnutrition and dehydration before receiving an esophageal cancer diagnosis. Your treatment plan might include a phase of healing and building up your body’s strength before tackling the cancer itself.
Where does esophageal cancer develop?
Esophageal Cancer. Esophageal cancer develops in the esophagus, which is the tube that connects your throat to your stomach. Most esophageal cancer cases aren’t discovered until they are in advanced stages when immediate treatment is necessary. Treatment options may include:
Is esophageal cancer a physical or emotional illness?
Patient support services. Esophageal cancer treatment—radiation, chemotherapy and surgery—can be physically and emotionally tiring for patients and their loved ones. Cancer and its treatment can cause exhaustion, malnutrition and other uncomfortable symptoms.
Can you get radiation therapy for esophageal cancer?
Studies have shown that patients experience better results when they receive radiation therapy in esophageal cancer treatment. In early-stage cancer, radiation therapy may be the only treatment approach necessary. You may also receive radiation therapy before or after surgery, or in combination with chemotherapy.
Diagnosis
Treatment
- Treatments for esophagitis are intended to lessen symptoms, manage complications and treat underlying causes of the disorder. Treatment strategies vary primarily based on the cause of the disorder.
Clinical Trials
- Explore Mayo Clinic studiestesting new treatments, interventions and tests as a means to prevent, detect, treat or manage this condition.
Lifestyle and Home Remedies
- Depending on the type of esophagitis you have, you may lessen symptoms or avoid recurring problems by following these steps: 1. Avoid foods that may increase reflux.Avoid eating excessive amounts of foods that you know worsen your symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux. These may include alcohol, caffeine, chocolate and mint-flavored foods. 2. Use goo...
Alternative Medicine
- No alternative medicine therapies have been proved to treat esophagitis. Still, some complementary and alternative therapies may provide some relief from heartburn or reflux symptoms when combined with your doctor's care. Talk to your doctor about what alternative treatments may be safe for you. Options may include: 1. Herbal remedies.Herbal remedies some…
Preparing For Your Appointment
- If you're experiencing severe chest pain that lasts more than a few minutes or if you suspect you have food lodged in your esophagus or are unable to swallow, get emergency medical care. If you have other signs or symptoms of esophagitis, you'll likely start by seeing your primary care doctor. For some diagnostic tests, your doctor may refer you to a specialist in digestive system disorder…
Diagnosis
Treatment
- Treatment for Barrett's esophagus depends on the extent of abnormal cell growth in your esophagus and your overall health.
Clinical Trials
- Explore Mayo Clinic studiestesting new treatments, interventions and tests as a means to prevent, detect, treat or manage this condition.
Lifestyle and Home Remedies
- Lifestyle changes can ease symptoms of GERD, which may underlie Barrett's esophagus. Consider: 1. Maintaining a healthy weight. 2. Eliminating foods and drinks that trigger your heartburn,such as chocolate, coffee, alcohol and mint. 3. Stopping smoking. 4. Raising the head of your bed.Place wooden blocks under your bed to elevate your head.
Preparing For Your Appointment
- Barrett's esophagus is most often diagnosed in people with GERD who are being examined for GERDcomplications. If your doctor discovers Barrett's esophagus on an endoscopy exam, you may be referred to a doctor who treats digestive diseases (gastroenterologist).