The esophagus is a tubular, elongated organ that plays an important role in transporting food and liquids to the stomach. Several conditions can negatively affect the esophagus, including acid reflux, ...

The esophageal sphincters are bands of muscles at the top and bottom of the esophagus — the muscular tube that passes food and drink from the mouth to the stomach. Esophageal sphincters open and close ...

Esophageal manometry is an outpatient test used to identify problems with movement and pressure in the esophagus that may lead to problems like heartburn. The esophagus is the "food pipe" leading from ...

The process of swallowing (Figure 1) includes the conscious effort to ingest food and the largely subconscious (reflex) efforts of preparing the bolus to be swallowed (preparatory phase), transferring ...

The esophagus is the tube that connects your mouth to your stomach. Barrett’s esophagus is a condition where the tissue in your lower esophagus becomes damaged. It starts to resemble the tissue in ...

Through an elaborate reflex mechanism, a close functional relationship exists among the pharynx, larynx, and esophagus during both anterograde transit, that is, the act of deglutition, as well as ...

An esophageal perforation is a hole in the esophagus. The esophagus is the tube that food and liquids pass through on the way from your mouth to your stomach. Perforation of the esophagus is uncommon, ...

People with chronic heartburn may have gastroesophageal reflux disease. This can develop into a condition called Barrett’s esophagus, which increases the risk of esophageal cancer. Barrett’s esophagus ...

Esophageal adenocarcinoma has become the predominant type of esophageal cancer in North America and Europe, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and obesity are the main risk factors. Barrett’s ...

This Journal feature begins with a case vignette highlighting a common clinical problem. Evidence supporting various strategies is then presented, followed by a review of formal guidelines, when they ...

Eating certain foods, including those containing fiber, while avoiding sugary foods and those that cause heartburn may help prevent Barett’s esophagus from getting worse. Barrett’s esophagus is a ...