What are the types of esophageal disorders?

What are the types of esophageal disorders?

Types of esophageal disorders include:

• GERD: The most common esophageal disorder occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter doesn’t close properly. As a result, stomach acid and contents flow backward into your esophagus.
• Achalasia: The lower esophageal sphincter doesn’t open or relax, preventing food from going into the stomach. Experts believe achalasia may be an autoimmune disease, but the exact cause is unknown. Something damages the nerves that control the muscles in the esophagus.
• Barrett’s esophagus: For people with chronic, untreated acid reflux, the lining of the bottom part of their esophagus starts looking like stomach lining, and the cells start to resemble intestinal cells. These changes take place where the esophagus and stomach meet. This condition is associated with a higher risk of esophageal cancer.
• Eosinophilic esophagitis: White blood cells called eosinophils become overabundant in the esophagus. The result is inflammation or swelling of the esophageal lining (esophagitis). This condition is more common in patients with multiple allergies.
• Esophageal cancer: There are two types of esophageal cancer: squamous cell carcinoma, and adenocarcinoma. Generally speaking, smoking, radiation and HPV infection increases the risk of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma, while smoking and acid reflux increase risks of adenocarcinoma.
• Esophageal diverticulum: An outpouching occurs in a weak spot in the esophagus. People with achalasia are more prone to developing diverticula.
• Esophageal spasms: Abnormal muscle spasms (contractions) occur in the esophagus. This rare, painful condition keeps food from reaching the stomach.
• Esophageal strictures: The esophagus becomes too narrow. Foods and liquids pass through slowly to the stomach.
• Hiatal hernias: The upper part of the stomach protrudes above an opening in the diaphragm, and sits in the chest. This condition leads to more acid reflux.