Esophageal Deficits Flashcards
2 types of esophageal deficits
motility (movement) and obstruction (something in the way)
Esophageal motility deficits
GERD, Achalasia, Corkscrew esophagus, hiatal hernia, diverticulum, pill-induced esophagus
Esophageal obstruction deficits
stricture, esophageal web, cricopharyngeal bar, tumors, barrett’s esophagus
“failure to relax”, the LES cannot completely relax, can cause it to dialate and widen. Aka bird’s beak esophagus. LES is too tonic so it squeezes surrounding tissues and makes it skinny. Can cause pressure buildup
Achalasia
esophageal spasm. Irregularly spaced constrictions causing indentation in the thoracic esophagus. Usually seen in the elderly
Corkscrew esophagus
an abnormal weakness or opening in the diaphragm. Part of the stomach pushes up into the chest cavity. Stomach is pushing up through (herniating through) the diaphragm
Hiatal hernia
abnormal pocket or pouch in the wall of the pharynx or esophagus. If in pharynx it’s called Zenkers (we encounter/deal with these the most). Zenker’s happens when CP/UES doesn’t open completely
Diverticulum
narrowing of a segment of the esophagus. Food can “stick” to narrow part and cause backflow
stricture
small indentation in upper esophageal wall. Can complain of food “sticking”
esophageal web
cricopharyngeus looks like a bar (finger-like projection) into the esophagus. May or may not have associated dysphagia
Cricopharyngeal Bar
can be malignant or benign. Cause obstruction of bolus so it does not move through how it should
Tumors
disorder where the lining of the esophagus undergoes a change in response to repeated irritation and inflammation from acid reflux into esophagus
Barret’s Esophagus
removal of part of the esophagus. Usually due to tumor in esophagus being taken out, then stomach is stretched up to meet the esophagus. Can cause difficulty with swallowing (esp. solids), cannot lay down after eating
Esophagectomy
t/f: Achalasia is a disorder of the esophagus
F. It is a disorder of the LES
