Esophageal motility disorder
Esophageal Motility Disorder
Esophageal motility disorder (pronunciation: e-sof-a-ge-al mo-til-ity dis-or-der) is a collective term for several conditions that affect the esophagus' ability to move food from the mouth to the stomach.
Etymology
The term is derived from the Greek word "οἰσοφάγος" (oisophagos), meaning "gullet", and the Latin words "motilitas", meaning "movement", and "disorder", meaning "disruption of normal function".
Types of Esophageal Motility Disorders
There are several types of esophageal motility disorders, including:
- Achalasia: A rare disorder characterized by the esophagus' inability to move food into the stomach.
- Diffuse esophageal spasm: A condition that causes irregular, uncoordinated, and sometimes powerful contractions of the esophagus.
- Esophageal stricture: A narrowing of the esophagus that causes swallowing difficulties.
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD): A chronic condition where stomach acid frequently flows back into the esophagus.
Symptoms
Common symptoms of esophageal motility disorders include:
- Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)
- Chest pain
- Regurgitation of food or liquids
- Heartburn
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of esophageal motility disorders typically involves a combination of medical history, physical examination, and specialized tests such as:
- Esophageal manometry: A test that measures the rhythmic muscle contractions in your esophagus when you swallow.
- Barium swallow: A test that involves swallowing a barium solution, which coats the inside of the esophagus so that it can be seen more clearly on an X-ray.
Treatment
Treatment for esophageal motility disorders depends on the specific type and severity of the disorder. It may include lifestyle changes, medication, or in some cases, surgery.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Esophageal motility disorder
- Wikipedia's article - Esophageal motility disorder
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