The esophagus is a tube with muscular walls lined internally by a mucosa, which communicates the pharynx with the stomach. In the adult individual it measures approximately 25 cm in length.
Three portions can be distinguished in this organ: a cervical, 3 or 4 cm, which runs through the interior of the neck; a thoracic, 18 cm, which passes behind the heart; and an abdominal one, of 2 or 3 cm, which crosses the diaphragm and enters the abdomen.
The esophageal diameter varies in the different segments, so that narrow sections alternate with more dilated ones.
The fundamental function of the esophagus is the propulsion of the food bolus from the pharynx to the stomach. Food, chewed and mixed with saliva, is pushed by the tongue towards the pharynx and then into the esophageal canal, a journey that takes 10 or 12 seconds. While no food is ingested, the entrance to this organ is closed.
A lower sphincter closes the passage to stomach fluids, thus preventing the esophagus from being damaged by the acidity of the gastric contents.
When descending through the esophagus, the food bolus distends the walls of the esophagus and causes the appearance of propulsive movements that push it towards the stomach.
It is important to note that the esophagus can suffer from a inflammationcalled esophagitis, often caused by gastroesophageal reflux (GERD)). That is, the malfunction of the sphincter muscle between the esophagus and the stomach, which allows stomach acids to enter the esophagus.
It can also be caused by vomiting excessive. Infectious esophagitis is most often caused by candidherpes and other viruses when the immune system is engaged.
There is even corrosive esophagitis produced by ingesting caustic chemicals such as acid or bleach. This can happen accidentally or in a suicide attempt.
Primary symptoms include difficulty to swallow and pain when swallowing. Other symptoms may include a feeling that something is stuck in the throat, shortness of breath, among others.
folk remedies
Remedy for esophagitis or inflammation of the esophagus #1: Pour 1 teaspoon of slippery elm powder or ulmus rubra into 1/2 cup of water and drink before meals. This remedy is rich in mucilage which helps relieve irritation in both the throat and esophagus.
Remedy for esophagitis or inflammation of the esophagus #2: Boil 1 tablespoon of marshmallow root, previously washed and chopped, in 1 cup of water for 5 minutes. After that time, cover and let cool. Strain and drink 3 cups a day. This remedy, like the previous one, contains mucilage which helps to soothe and protect the mucous membranes and the esophagus.
Remedy for esophagitis or inflammation of the esophagus #3: Consume ½ cup of aloe vera or aloe vera juice about 20 minutes before a meal.
Remedy for esophagitis or inflammation of the esophagus #4: Boil 1 tablespoon of lemongrass, citronella or lemongrass chopped in 1 cup of water for 5 minutes. Cover and leave to cool. Take 3 cups a day.
Remedy for esophagitis or inflammation of the esophagus #5: Pour 1 tablespoon of ginger powder into a cup of lukewarm water. Stir and take 2 times a day.
Remedy for esophagitis or inflammation of the esophagus #7: Consume for only one month 1 cup of infusion of echinacea daily in order to raise defenses if you have infectious esophagitis.
Remedy for esophagitis or inflammation of the esophagus #8: Consume 30 to 45 grams of black raspberries daily. According to studies carried out, black raspberries not only help fight inflammation of the esophagus but can also be a preventative against esophagus cancer.
Remedy for esophagitis or inflammation of the esophagus # 9: Drinking just one glass of wine a day may help people with ongoing esophagitis and may even reduce the risk of developing Barrett’s esophagus disorder, according to research.
Questions and answers
What relationship do esophageal varices have with liver cirrhosis?
Venous blood from the stomach and intestines is collected in the portal vein, which passes through the liver before flowing into the inferior vena cava. When he has cirrhosisthe blood is diverted by small branches that go towards the esophagus.
Under normal conditions these vessels contain a small amount of blood, so when there is cirrhosis they dilate abnormally and form the so-called esophageal varices. The rupture of these can cause serious bleeding that, logically, must be treated urgently.
The esophagus can be studied by X-rays and by endoscopy…
Since it is a hollow organ, X-ray examination requires the prior ingestion of a porridge containing substances opaque to said rays. By means of this technique, the deformities of the internal wall of the esophagus are observed without causing any discomfort to the patient.
To carry out the endoscopic study, a flexible tube formed by glass fibers, called a fiberscope, is inserted through the mouth, equipped with a lighting system that allows viewing, from its outer end, the images of the esophageal wall. Through this tube, and with suitable instruments, it is also possible to photograph or film the interior of the organ, as well as perform a biopsy by taking a sample from the esophageal wall. This type of scanning can be more annoying than the previous one, but not too much.
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