Management of Oesophageal Diseases
The oesophagus serves a crucial role in our digestive system, facilitating the seamless transport of food and liquids from the mouth to the stomach. Its proper function is essential for optimal digestion and overall gastrointestinal health.
When faced with disorders, effective oesophageal disorder treatment in Dubai becomes paramount.
What is an Oesophageal Disorder?
An oesophagal disorder refers to a medical condition or dysfunction affecting the oesophagus, the muscular tube connecting the throat to the stomach.
The oesophagus plays a crucial role in the process of swallowing, as it transports food and liquids from the mouth to the stomach.
Various disorders can affect the oesophagus, leading to symptoms such as difficulty swallowing, chest pain, heartburn, regurgitation, and others.
What are the Symptoms of Oesophageal Disorders?
Symptoms vary depending on the type of oesophageal disorder. You may experience:
- Abdominal pain, chest pain, or back pain
- Persistent cough or throat discomfort
- Heartburn
- Difficulty in swallowing or feeling like food is stuck in the throat
- Hoarseness
- Indigestion
- Vomiting
- Unexplained weight loss
What are the Different Types of Oesophageal Disorders?
Various types of oesophageal disorders exist, each characterised by distinct symptoms, causes, and available treatment options. Here are some common types:
GERD | GERD occurs when stomach acid consistently flows back into the oesophagus, causing irritation and inflammation. This can lead to heartburn, regurgitation, chest pain, and difficulty swallowing. |
Achalasia | Achalasia is a disorder where the lower oesophageal sphincter muscle malfunctions, hindering the smooth passage of food or liquid into the stomach. |
Oesophageal Diverticula | Oesophageal diverticula are pouch-like protrusions in the oesophageal wall. They can cause swallowing difficulties and regurgitation. |
Hiatal Hernia | A hiatal hernia happens when the stomach protrudes into the chest through the diaphragm, potentially causing GERD symptoms. |
Oesophageal Cancer | Oesophageal cancer occurs in the oesophagus, usually in the cells lining the inner wall. |
How are Oesophageal Disorders Treated?
Depending on the disorder, there are different oesophageal disorder treatment in Dubai:
- Medications: It is often combined with lifestyle changes to treat GERD symptoms, including heartburn. You may be recommended over-the-counter medicines that help control acid. If these prove ineffective, H-2-receptor blockers or proton pump inhibitors may be recommended.
- Muscle Injection: During this outpatient procedure, an endoscope injects a solution into the oesophagal sphincter. The solution causes temporary muscle paralysis, which improves swallowing disorders such as achalasia.
- Endoscopy: Endoscopy requires inserting a thin, flexible tube with a light source and camera (endoscope) through either the mouth or nose to examine the oesophagus visually.
- Per-Oral Endoscopic Myotomy (POEM): The procedure utilizes endoscopy to create a surgical incision in the inner lining of the oesophagus, allowing muscle fibres to be cut to relieve constriction. It is used to treat achalasia.
- Fundoplication: Fundoplication is a surgical remedy for GERD and hiatal hernias, where the surgeon wraps the upper stomach around the lower oesophagus to prevent acid reflux.
- Oesophagectomy: Oesophagectomy is a surgical procedure that involves removing part or all of the oesophagus. It is typically considered for conditions such as oesophageal cancer.
- Transoral Incisionless Fundoplication: TIF is a minimally invasive procedure for treating Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD). Surgeons use special devices to reconstruct the anti-reflux barrier at the gastroesophageal junction, reducing stomach acid reflux.
- Heller Myotomy: A minimally invasive surgical technique for treating achalasia, it involves making small incisions in the abdomen to address tightness between the stomach and oesophagus.
Contact Dr. Balaji for Oesophageal Disorders Treatment In Dubai
If you’re grappling with symptoms of oesophagal disorders such as heartburn or difficulty swallowing, prompt medical attention is imperative.
Dr. Balaji Nagammapudur is a highly skilled consultant surgeon specialising in Oesophageal Surgery and general and advanced laparoscopic procedures. Your health is paramount, and Dr. Balaji is dedicated to providing comprehensive and expert treatment for oesophagal disorders in Dubai.
FAQs
Untreated oesophageal disorders, including GERD and achalasia, heighten the risk of oesophageal cancer. Swallowing issues can contribute to malnutrition and dehydration without proper intervention.
Esophageal disorders are diagnosed through tests like endoscopy, gastrointestinal X-rays and pH monitoring. Imaging and biopsy may be used to assess conditions such as GERD, achalasia, and cancer.
Risk factors for oesophageal disorders include smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, obesity, certain dietary habits, age, and medications, including certain antibiotics, antidepressants and pain relievers.