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Esophageal atresia
Esophageal atresia A congenital lack of continuity of the esophagus.
RELATED TERMS--------------------------------------
Congenital
Present at birth.
SIMILAR TERMS--------------------------------------
Esophageal
Pertaining to the esophagus.
Esophageal cancer
Esophageal cancer is cancer of the esophagus. The esophagus is a hollow tube that carries food and liquids from the throat to the stomach. When a person swallows, the muscular walls of the esophagus contract to push food down into the stomach. Glands in the lining of the esophagus produce mucus, which keeps the passageway moist and makes swallowing easier. The esophagus is located just behind the trachea (windpipe). In an adult, the esophagus is about 10 inches (25 cm) long.
Esophageal reflux
See gastroesophageal reflux disease.
Esophageal spasms
Muscle cramps in the esophagus that cause pain in the chest.
Esophageal speech
Speech produced with air trapped in the esophagus and forced out again. People with a laryngectomy (for example, for laryngeal cancer) may be taught to produce esophageal speech.
Esophageal stricture
A narrowing of the esophagus often caused by acid flowing back from the stomach. This condition may require surgery.
Esophageal stricture, acute
A narrowing or closure of the normal opening of the swallowing tube leading to the stomach, usually caused by scarring from acid irritation. Acute, complete obstruction of the esophagus occurs when food (usually meat) is lodged in the esophageal stricture. Patients experience chest pain, and are unable to swallow saliva. Attempts to relieve the obstruction by inducing vomiting at home are usually unsuccessful. Patients with complete esophageal obstruction can breathe, and are not at any risk of suffocation. Endoscopy is usually employed to retrieve the meat and relieve the obstruction.
Esophageal stricture, chronic
A longstanding narrowing or closure of the normal opening of the swallowing tube leading to the stomach, usually caused by scarring by acid irritation. Narrowing of the esophagus. A common complication of chronic gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Several procedures are available for stretching (dilating) the strictures without having to resort to surgery. One of the procedures involves placing a deflated balloon across the stricture at the time of endoscopy. The balloon is then inflated, thereby opening the narrowing caused by the stricture. Another method involves inserting tapered dilators of different sizes through the mouth into the esophagus to dilate the stricture.
Esophageal ulcer
A sore in the esophagus. Caused by long-term inflammation or damage from the residue of pills. The ulcer may cause chest pain.
Esophageal varices
Stretched veins in the esophagus that occur when the liver is not working properly. If the veins burst, the bleeding can cause death.
Esophagectomy
An operation to remove a portion of the esophagus.
Esophagitis
An irritation of the esophagus, usually caused by acid that flows up from the stomach.
Esophagogastric tamponade
A procedure in which a balloon is inflated within the esophagus and stomach to apply pressure on bleeding blood vessels, compress the vessels, and stop the bleeding. Used in the treatment of bleeding veins in the esophagus (esophageal varices) and stomach. The balloon used in the esophagus is shaped like a sausage while that in the stomach is rounded. Esophagogastric tamponade is also called balloon tamponade.
Esophagogastroduodenoscopy
Also known as EGD or upper endoscopy. A procedure that enables the examiner (usually a gastroenterologist) to examine the esophagus (the swallowing tube), stomach, and duodenum (the first portion of small bowel) using a thin flexible tube (a "scope") that can be looked through or seen on a TV monitor.
Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD)
Exam of the upper digestive tract using an endoscope. See endoscopy.
Esophagoscopy
Examination of the esophagus using a thin, lighted instrument.
Esophagram
A series of x-rays of the esophagus. The x-ray pictures are taken after the patient drinks a solution that coats and outlines the walls of the esophagus. Also called a barium swallow.
Esophagus
The organ that connects the mouth to the stomach. Also called gullet.
Esophoria
A tendency for an eye to turn inward a little bit. It occurs under certain conditions such as fatigue. An esophoria is sometimes uncovered by the cover test.
PREVIOUS AND NEXT TERMS--------------------------------------
Epithelial cells
One of many kinds of cells that form the epithelium and absorb nutrients. See also epithelium.
Equilibrium disorders
Balance disorders.
Eructation
Belching.
Erythrocyte sedimentation rate
blood test that measures the speed at which red blood cells settle on the bottom of a test tube; high sedimentation rate signals possible inflammatory disease.
Escherichia coli
Bacteria that cause infection and irritation of the large intestine. The bacteria are spread by unclean water, dirty cooking utensils, or undercooked meat. See also gastroenteritis.
Esophageal atresia
Esophageal reflux
See gastroesophageal reflux disease.
Esophageal spasms
Muscle cramps in the esophagus that cause pain in the chest.
Esophageal stricture
A narrowing of the esophagus often caused by acid flowing back from the stomach. This condition may require surgery.
Esophageal ulcer
A sore in the esophagus. Caused by long-term inflammation or damage from the residue of pills. The ulcer may cause chest pain.
Esophageal varices
Stretched veins in the esophagus that occur when the liver is not working properly. If the veins burst, the bleeding can cause death.
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