Esophageal function and diseases that attack it & bull; hello healthy

When you eat, the chewed food in the mouth is passed to the stomach to pass the next stage of digestion. This process involves the digestive tract called the esophagus aka esophagus.

If the esophagus is disturbed, the process of entering food into the stomach will certainly be disturbed. Here are various things you need to know about this digestive tract as well as health problems that generally occur.

The anatomy and function of the esophagus

The esophagus is a long tube that connects the throat and stomach. The esophagus is about 20-25 cm long, starting from the trachea (windpipe) and extending to the top of your stomach.

At the beginning of the esophagus there is an epiglottis. The epiglottis is a small valve that closes the airway when you swallow food or liquids. This valve serves to prevent the entry of food or fluids into the lungs.

The esophageal wall is composed of layers of the same muscles as the lining of the stomach and intestines. The following is the layer of muscles that make up the esophagus from the outside to the inside.

• Adventitia. The outermost layer composed of connective tissue. Adventitia ends at the end of the esophagus that borders the stomach.
• Muscle wall. There are two types of esophageal muscle layers, namely the muscles that extend on the outside and the circular muscles on the inside.
• Submucosa. In this layer there are glands that produce mucus. Mucus acts as a lubricant that facilitates the movement of food.
• Mucosa. The innermost layer composed of stratified epithelial cells.

The contraction and relaxation of the muscles lining the esophagus produces peristalsis. This is the squeezing and pushing motion that helps food move toward the stomach. The same movements also occur in the small intestine and large intestine.

Apart from the multi-layered walls, your esophagus also has a sphincter. The sphincter is a ring-shaped muscle that can open and close. This muscle functions to prevent food, air, and stomach acid from moving in the opposite direction.

There are two types of esophageal sphincter, namely the upper and lower sphincters. The upper esophageal sphincter is located near the pharynx (the part of the throat that connects the nose and mouth). The function of the upper sphincter is to prevent food from moving back into the mouth.

Meanwhile, the lower esophageal sphincter is located at the meeting between the esophagus and the upper part of the stomach. When you are not swallowing, the lower esophageal sphincter closes so that stomach contents do not rise up into the esophagus.

Conditions that affect the esophagus

Like the stomach, intestines, and other components of the digestive system, the esophagus can experience problems. Launching the Johns Hopkins Medicine page, here are various conditions that can attack this channel.

1. Akalasia

Achalasia is a condition when the esophagus is unable to push food or fluids into the stomach. This rare condition may be caused by damage to nerve cells in the wall of the esophagus.

Normally, the upper esophageal sphincter should open when you swallow to allow food or liquid to move toward the stomach. However, in people with achalasia, the sphincter does not close, so food and fluids are trapped.

2. Esophagitis

Esophagitis is an inflammation or irritation that occurs in the lining of the esophagus. Inflammation usually occurs due to increased stomach acid. Stomach acid can erode the lining of the esophagus, causing inflammation and irritation.

In addition, inflammation can also be caused by infections, the effects of certain drugs, and allergic reactions. Patients generally experience difficulty swallowing accompanied by:

• pain when swallowing,
• chest pain that gets worse when eating,
• heat or pain in the gut due to increased stomach acid (heartburn),
• trapping of food in the esophagus, and
• increased stomach acid to the mouth.

3. Barrett's esophagus

Barrett's esophagus occurs when the lining of the esophagus is damaged due to continuous exposure to stomach acid. This condition arises as a complication of acid reflux disease (GERD) and esophagitis that is not handled properly.

Frequently rising stomach acid can erode the lining of the esophagus. Over time, the cells lining the esophagus change and become damaged. If there is damage, this is known as Barrett's esophagus.

This disease is associated with an increased risk of esophageal cancer. Although the risk of cancer does not increase drastically, sufferers need to regularly see a doctor. This is so that cancer treatment can be given as early as possible.

4. Esophageal cancer

Esophageal cancer formation usually begins in the cells that make up the innermost lining of the esophagus. These cells undergo DNA mutations, then grow uncontrollably to form abnormal tissue that can spread throughout the body.

The cause of cancer of the esophagus is not certain. However, here are the factors that can increase the risk.

• Have acid reflux, bile reflux, Barrett's esophagus, or achalasia.
• Have a habit of smoking or consuming alcohol.
• Are overweight or obese.
• Drink hot drinks often.
• Rarely eat vegetables and fruits.
• Undergo radiation therapy to the chest or upper abdomen.

Esophageal cancer can cause symptoms similar to that of an ulcer. If you experience symptoms of ulcer that are getting worse, drastic weight loss, and prolonged cough, consult a doctor immediately.

5. Esophageal stricture

Esophageal stricture is an abnormal narrowing of the esophagus. This condition can inhibit the entry of food and fluids into the stomach. As a result, sufferers have difficulty swallowing and feel something is stuck in the esophagus.

There are two types of esophageal strictures, namely simple and complex strictures. In simple strictures, the narrowing is not too severe and the shape is quite symmetrical. Meanwhile, complex strictures are usually longer and the esophagus becomes narrower.

Esophageal narrowing can be caused by esophagitis, GERD, surgery, and cancerous and non-cancerous tissue growths. Treatment needs to be adjusted according to the factors that cause it.

The esophagus is a channel that connects the mouth and stomach. When there is a problem in this channel, the process of swallowing and digestion as a whole will certainly be disturbed.

If you often experience complaints in the esophagus, don't ignore this condition. Immediately consult a doctor to get the best treatment.