Esophageal disorders can prevent you from getting the nutrition you need and may cause serious complications if untreated. At Newtown Gastroenterology, the team of board-certified gastroenterology specialists offers insightful diagnostic care alongside the most advanced treatments for esophageal disorders. There offices are in Elmhurst and Flushing in Queens, Sunset Park in Brooklyn, and Lower Manhattan in New York City, so call the one nearest you or click the online scheduling tool now for help.
Esophageal disorders include a group of conditions that negatively affect the esophagus, the food tube that carries solids and liquids from your mouth to your stomach. Disorders can affect the physical structure of the esophagus or the way it works.
Some of the most common esophageal disorders include:
Achalasia
Achalasia is a swallowing disorder in which esophageal muscles don’t work properly, making it hard to push food or liquid from your mouth to your stomach.
Acid reflux
Acid reflux happens when stomach acids wash up into your esophagus. This causes heartburn — a burning feeling in the chest.
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
GERD is chronic acid reflux and heartburn. You may receive a GERD diagnosis if you have acid reflux and heartburn two or more times a week.
Barrett’s esophagus
Barrett’s esophagus develops when the normally smooth lining of the esophagus thickens and develops a rough texture. Barrett’s esophagus commonly happens because of GERD.
Esophageal cancer
Esophageal cancer occurs when cells in the esophagus mutate and grow uncontrollably, creating a tumor. Although only a small percent of people with Barrett’s esophagus go on to develop esophageal cancer, having Barrett’s does raise your risk.
Nutcracker esophagus
In nutcracker esophagus, the esophagus contracts too forcefully when you swallow. It can cause issues like chest pain and heartburn.
Esophageal atresia
Esophageal atresia is a rare disorder in which a portion of the esophagus is missing, which typically prevents the top part of the esophagus from connecting to the bottom part. The condition is present from birth.
Treatment of esophageal disorders is specific to the condition. In many cases, esophageal disorders respond to conservative care and close monitoring. Some of the main conservative approaches include diet changes, lifestyle modifications, and prescription medications.
If esophageal disorders don’t improve with more conservative therapies or if you’re at risk for serious disease progression, the team may suggest a minimally invasive treatment. For example, an outpatient endoscopic treatment called ablation can reduce esophageal cancer risk by 90% in patients with Barrett’s esophagus.
In rare cases, some patients may require surgery for esophageal disorders. The team uses minimally invasive methods whenever possible. Newtown Gastroenterology protects your esophagus and overall digestive health using the most advanced approaches. Call the nearest office or book an appointment online today.
