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The mysterious reason why the esophagus loses its ability to relax: Do you know why esophageal stricture occurs?
Esophageal stenosis (Achalasia) is a disease that seriously affects swallowing function. Patients often face the confusion of food being unable to pass through the esophagus correctly. This condition is caused by the inability of smooth muscle fibers to relax properly, resulting in the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) being unable to relax in response to food intake. Although there is still no consensus in academia on the cause of the disease, with the advancement of technology, more and more research is beginning to reveal the complexity behind this disease.
The main symptoms of esophageal stricture are difficulty swallowing, regurgitation of undigested food, chest pain and weight loss, which usually worsen as the disease progresses.
Also, the disease may occur without other obvious causes and occasionally co-occurs with other conditions, such as cancer or Chagas disease. According to data, esophageal stricture affects approximately one patient per 100,000 people each year, with no significant difference between genders.
Symptoms and Diagnosis
Common symptoms in patients with esophageal stricture include difficulty swallowing, regurgitation, and chest pain. As the disease progresses, these symptoms become more severe and the patient may be unable to take in any food or liquids, causing the esophagus to dilate. This phenomenon is called esophageal megastasis. The diagnosis is usually confirmed by esophageal pressure testing and the Barrion water test.
Once esophageal stricture is diagnosed, further imaging tests can help doctors determine the specifics of the condition, such as a "bird's beak" or "rat's tail" appearance of the esophagus that can be seen in a Barrion water exam.
Disease Mechanisms and Causes
There is still no definite answer to the specific cause of esophageal stenosis, but studies have shown that neuromuscular disorders in the patient's body may be the main cause. The loss of neurotransmitters causes the lower esophageal sphincter to remain in a state of chronic tension, preventing it from relaxing properly.
Some scientists have even suggested that the disease may be related to an autoimmune process and may be linked to certain viral infections.
Treatment methods and patient adjustment
Currently, there is no complete cure for esophageal stenosis, but symptoms can be alleviated through a variety of means. Medical options include esophageal dilation, surgery, and medication. As understanding of the disease has evolved, their treatment options have evolved as well.
According to recent studies, esophageal dilation is inferior to surgical intervention in terms of effectiveness, and emerging technologies such as endoscopic esophageal myotomy are becoming a desired option for patients.
In addition to medical intervention, adjusting the patient's lifestyle is also very important. Scholars recommend that patients slow down their eating and chew their food thoroughly to help food pass smoothly through the esophagus. At the same time, patients should also avoid eating before going to bed to reduce the risk of acid reflux.
SummaryEsophageal stricture is a difficult journey. Although there is no way to fully understand its cause, the medical community continues to study and explore more effective treatments. With the development of technology, more and more patients will have the hope of obtaining treatment options that suit them and improving their quality of life. Can we find answers in the ever-advancing medical world and help patients with esophageal stenosis regain their health?
