Disease of Oesophagus

Clinical Nutrition
Lesson 10:Diseases of the Mouth and Oesophages

Disease of Oesophagus

Are much less common than diseases of stomach and intestines.

Oesophageal obstruction:- The oesophagus acts as means of transfer of food into the stomach. If there is any obstruction in oesophagus, it results in restriction of food intake and thereby weight loss will occur.

Causes:
Obstruction can be due to

  • Peptic oesophageal strictures
  • Corrosive injury
  • Carcinoma of oesophagus

Treatment

  • Removal of obstruction by surgical or non surgical methods.
  • Ask the patient to chew food properly before gulping it (in case of partial obstruction).
  • Avoid hard/solid food.
  • Consume semisolid or liquid food.
  • Parental nutrition is given in case of total obstruction.

Dysphagia:-

  • Also called “difficulty in swallowing”.
  • Main symptom of any disease affecting oesophagus.
  • May be due to
  • Painful disease of mouth.
  • Diseases of pharynx or larynx.
  • Functional causes
  • Disorders of peripheral nerves or brain.
  • Intrinsic disease of the oesophagus.

Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

Factors associated with the development of GERD

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Last modified: Thursday, 3 November 2011, 10:58 AM