Esophageal disorders are a collection of conditions that affect how the esophagus works. Your esophagus — or the food pipe — is the part of the digestive system that helps food travel from your mouth to your stomach.Different diseases can affect the esophagus, causing dysphagia or difficulty swallowing. The most common esophageal disorder is gastrointestinal reflux disease (GERD). GERD is the condition in which excessive stomach acid moves back into the esophagus (acid reflux), causing inflammation.What are the types of esophageal disorders?Types of esophageal disorders include:GERD: The most common esophageal disorder occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter doesn’t close properly. As a result, stomach acid and contents flow backward into your esophagus.Achalasia: The lower esophageal sphincter doesn’t open or relax, preventing food from going into the stomach. Experts believe achalasia may be an autoimmune disease, but the exact cause is unknown. Something damages the nerves that control the muscles in the esophagus.Barrett’s esophagus: For people with chronic, untreated acid reflux, the lining of the bottom part of their esophagus starts looking like stomach lining, and the cells start to resemble intestinal cells. These changes take place where the esophagus and stomach meet. This condition is associated with a higher risk of esophageal cancer.Eosinophilic esophagitis: White blood cells called eosinophils become overabundant in the esophagus. The result is inflammation or swelling of the esophageal lining (esophagitis). This condition is more common in patients with multiple allergies.White blood cells called eosinophils become overabundant in the esophagus. The result is inflammation or swelling of the esophageal lining (esophagitis). This condition is more common in patients with multiple allergies.Esophageal cancer: There are two types of esophageal cancer: squamous cell carcinoma, and adenocarcinoma. Generally speaking, smoking, radiation and HPV infection increases the risk of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma, while smoking and acid reflux increase risks of adenocarcinoma.Esophageal diverticulum: An outpouching occurs in a weak spot in the esophagus. People with achalasia are more prone to developing diverticula.Esophageal spasms: Abnormal muscle spasms (contractions) occur in the esophagus. This rare, painful condition keeps food from reaching the stomach.Esophageal strictures: The esophagus becomes too narrow. Foods and liquids pass through slowly to the stomach.Hiatal hernias: The upper part of the stomach protrudes above an opening in the diaphragm, and sits in the chest. This condition leads to more acid reflux.

Stomach diseases are infections or disorders that affect the process of digestion. The stomach is an organ that temporarily stores food, breaks it down, and passes it to the small intestine. Stomach diseases may affect the lining, cells, muscles, and nerves in the stomach.The causes of stomach diseases may vary and can develop from inflammation, infection, illness, or an underlying condition. Some of the most common signs and symptoms of stomach disease include stomach pain, nausea, discomfort, vomiting, and changes in bowel habits, which may be short-term. Chronic or ongoing stomach problems that affect the quality of life and digestive function may improve with proper medical treatment.Some stomach diseases are serious, such as stomach or gastric cancer, while other stomach problems are relatively mild. Certain factors can influence the symptoms and severity of a stomach disease, including diet, environment, emotional stress, and other health conditions.For chronic stomach problems, seeing your healthcare provider for a medical evaluation and to get care is important. Severe stomach issues, accompanied by bleeding, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and fever may require immediate medical attention. A digestive care specialist or gastroenterologist can help to manage and treat stomach diseases and disorders effectively.

Gastro-intestinal issues or gastro issues or digestive issues are quite common. In our clinics we come across many patients who suffer from mild to moderate gastro symptoms on a chronic basis. The causes are many and lifestyle plays a big role. Long working hours, increased stress, erratic dietary habits and altered sleep cycle, have a major role to play. Our consultations for gastro issues include a very detailed history and clinical examination to understand the root cause of the problem.