The esophagus organ is a muscular tube that links or connects the organ mouth to the organ stomach. This esophagus is part of the digestive system. The esophagus has four layers, they are

  • Mucosa: The mucosa is an inner layer that’s moist to help pass food smoothly.
  • Submucosa: The submucosa contains glands that secrete mucus to keep the esophagus always moist and try to avoid the dry conditions.
  • Muscularis propria: The muscle layer doing an excellent work, this will push food down into the organ stomach.
  • Adventitia: This the final layer that attaches the esophagus to nearby parts of the body. This layer is a loose connective tissue and has small vessels, lymphatic channels, and nerve fibers.

In the human body having 78 organs(both internal and external organs). Each and every part provides its unique functions to keep the body healthy. Sometimes people are facing some health issues due to diseases or infection in the organ.

If a person has a problem in a single organ it will affect the other organs and lead the body into weakness. So, people should know the importance of each and every organ health and its function. In this article we will see in detail about the Esophagus structure, function and how it treats it healthily.

Function of Esophagus

The main function is to move or push food and liquid from the mouth to the stomach. It also avoids gastroesophageal reflux health issues.

Some other functions of the esophagus:

  • Lubrication: It secrete mucus to help food pass through very easily.
  • Peristalsis: It uses simple contractions methods to move food into the stomach.
  • Passageway for reflux: During vomiting or reflux, it permits gastrointestinal contents to be eliminated from the stomach or small intestine.

Symptoms of esophagus problems?

If a person has an esophagus problem, he/she faces the most common symptom is heartburn. Most of them are getting a heartburn as a burning feeling in the center of their chest behind the breastbone (sternum).

Some other symptoms of esophagus problems depend on the cause. They are

  • Hard to swallow food items.
  • Chest pain.
  • Sometimes food comes back into the mouth from the esophagus, this is called Regurgitation.
  • Getting feeling like food is stuck in the back of the throat.
  • Cough.
  • Sore throat.
  • Vomiting or vomiting blood.
  • Bad breath in the mouth.
  • Body Weight loss.

Length: The length in a normal adult is 10 – 13 inches. It is 3 to 4 inches thick at its smallest point.

Esophagus Disorder

Most commonly it is affected due to acid reflux. The main reason for occuring acid reflux when the lower esophageal sphincter opens when it’s not supposed to. This will permit stomach acid and digestive juices to flow back from the stomach into the esophagus. This can cause inflammation and heartburn sensation.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)

One of the most severe forms of acid reflux is Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). When a person suffering from Gastroesophageal reflux disease, stomach acid persistently flows back into the esophagus. During this situation, people mainly get symptoms of heartburn. Some of them are getting symptoms like cough, chest pain, hoarseness, bad breath and feel very hard to swallow food.

People also get feelings like a lump in the back of their throat. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) can cause significant damage to the organ. This disease mostly affected the elderly, obese people, drinking alcoholic habits people, chain smokers, and women during pregnancy. People who suffer from high levels of mental health issues also have this  GERD disease.

Achalasia

When the lower esophageal sphincter doesn’t open, that condition is called Achalasia; This is a rare disorder to prohibit the food from getting into the stomach.

Esophageal diverticulum

An esophageal diverticulum is a pouch that bulges outward and makes the internal lining weaker. People may be unable to swallow any food if the diverticulum causes an obstruction.

Esophageal varices

A large or swollen vein on the lining of the esophagus is called Esophageal varices. Varices can be causing severe health issues like death, if they break open and bleed.

Esophagitis

Inflammation and irritation of the lining of the organ is called Esophagitis. Acid reflux, infection, vomiting, certain medications or radiation treatment may also cause esophagitis health issues.

Eosinophilic esophagitis

Certain white blood cells build up called eosinophils in esophagus causes this type of esophagitis. Food allergies encourage the build up of eosinophils in this organ.

How are esophagus problems diagnosed?

Healthcare providers recommend one or more of the following tests to determine if a person has an esophagus condition.

  • Upper endoscopy
  • Biopsy
  • Barium swallow
  • Esophageal pH test

How do you fix esophagus problems?

Health care experts or doctors will provide treatment based on the causes. Some esophagus problems can be easily treated with over-the-counter(OTC) medication or changing the food diet in daily life. Some other conditions may need prescription medication, procedures or surgery.

Some Common medications for related conditions include:

  • Antacids: Antacids keep the stomach acids under normal level. Some common brand names such as Tums, Rolaids and Mylanta.
  • H-2 receptor blockers: Acid blockers support the production of acid. Some common brand names such as Tagmet, Pepcid AC and Zantac.
  • Proton pump inhibitors: This is a stronger acid blockers that also helps to heal esophagus tissue. Some common brand names such as Prevacid®, Prilosec® and Nexium®.
  • Baclofen: Baclofen is used to decrease the relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter so it doesn’t open unnecessarily.

Following a healthy food diet and living a good lifestyle will help to keep this organ in good health conditions. So, always add good nutrition food items and avoid junk food diets in daily life. Don’t consume alcohol and follow smoking habits. These two will surely affect the esophagus health.

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