Gastroenterology and Hepatology

Diseases of the Esophagus

The esophagus is a solid cylinder that transports food and fluids from your mouth to your stomach. You may be unaware of your esophagus until you swallow something extremely large, extremely hot, or extremely cold. You may also notice it when something isn't quite right. You may feel tormented or have difficulty swallowing. GERD is the most well-known throat problem (gastroesophageal reflux disease). When you have GERD, a muscle at the end of your esophagus does not close properly. This allows stomach contents to spill back into the throat and irritate it. GERD can cause throat damage over time.

Esophageal atresia

Esophageal cancer

Esophageal dysphagia

Esophageal varices

Esophagitis

Caustic injury to the esophagus