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Esophagus Disorders
Reviewed by Medicinsk Expert•Last updated: 2026-10-22•Ear Nose Throat

Esophagus Disorders

Esophagus disorders affect the tube that carries food to your stomach, potentially causing pain, difficulty swallowing, and other digestive complications.

Overview

The esophagus is the tube that carries food from your mouth to your stomach. You generally do not notice it unless you swallow something too large, hot, or cold, or if an underlying issue is present. When the esophagus is not functioning correctly, you may experience pain or dysphagia (trouble swallowing).

Causes and Risk Factors

The cause of an esophagus disorder varies by type; some are hereditary, others are linked to allergic reactions, and some remain unknown. You may be at higher risk if you:

  • Are overweight or have obesity
  • Are pregnant
  • Take certain medications
  • Have received radiation treatment to your neck or chest
  • Smoke or are exposed to secondhand smoke

Common Esophagus Disorders

The most frequent issue is gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), which occurs when the muscle at the bottom of the esophagus fails to close properly, allowing stomach acid to irritate the lining. Other conditions include:

  • Heartburn: A burning sensation in the chest or throat often caused by acid reflux.
  • Barrett's Esophagus: A change in the lining of the esophagus, often resulting from chronic GERD.
  • Achalasia: A condition where the lower esophageal muscle does not relax properly.
  • Esophageal Spasms: Muscle contractions that lead to chest pain or swallowing difficulties.
  • Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE): A rare condition involving a buildup of white blood cells (eosinophils) that causes swelling and pain.
  • Esophageal Cancer: Cancer originating in the tissues of the esophagus.

Symptoms

Symptoms vary by condition but may include:

  • Pain in the chest, abdomen, or back
  • Persistent cough or sore throat
  • Trouble swallowing or the sensation of food being stuck
  • Hoarse voice or wheezing
  • Heartburn or burning in the stomach
  • Tasting acid or food in the back of the mouth
  • Regurgitation
  • Unintentional weight loss

Note: Seek immediate medical attention if you experience chest pain accompanied by shortness of breath, or pain in your jaw or arm, as these may indicate a heart problem.

Diagnosis

Healthcare providers may use the following tests to diagnose esophagus disorders:

  • Upper gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy: Using a tiny camera to view the esophagus and stomach.
  • Biopsy: Taking a small tissue sample for analysis.
  • Barium swallow: Imaging to observe the swallowing process.
  • Esophageal manometry: Checking how well the esophagus moves food to the stomach.
  • Esophageal pH test: Measuring the frequency and duration of acid backup.

Treatment and Management

Treatment depends on the specific cause and your overall health. Options range from over-the-counter medications and lifestyle changes to prescription drugs or surgery. Untreated disorders can lead to complications like pneumonia or an increased risk of esophageal cancer.

Prevention

You can help reduce symptoms by:

  • Not smoking and limiting alcohol intake
  • Eating smaller meals
  • Avoiding eating close to bedtime
  • Wearing loose-fitting clothing
  • Sleeping on your left side or elevating the head of your bed
  • Maintaining a healthy weight

Frequently Asked Questions

GERD is usually diagnosed with a trial of acid‑suppressing medication and may show acid exposure on pH testing. EoE requires an upper endoscopy with biopsies showing ≥15 eosinophils per high‑power field; patients often have food‑related allergic triggers and may not respond to acid blockers.
Seek medical evaluation if you experience persistent dysphagia (food sticking), weight loss, pain that wakes you at night, vomiting, or a sensation of food getting “caught” more than a few times per week, especially if accompanied by coughing or hoarseness.
n EGD is recommended if you have alarm symptoms (bleeding, anemia, persistent vomiting, dysphagia, odynophagia), suspicion of Barrett’s esophagus, eosinophilic esophagitis, or if symptoms persist despite optimal medical therapy.
Elevate the head of your bed 6‑8 inches, avoid large meals and eat at least 3 hours before lying down, limit caffeine, chocolate, fatty or fried foods, and stop smoking. Weight loss if overweight and wearing loose clothing also reduce intra‑abdominal pressure.
Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine

MedlinePlus brings together authoritative health information from the National Library of Medicine (NLM), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and other government agencies and health-related organizations.

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