What are the Most Common Conditions of the Esophagus?

7/8/2022

Located in the center of your chest, the esophagus is the top portion of the digestive tract. Although the esophagus can differ in size among individuals, esophageal conditions can affect everybody. In the event you seek relief from acid indigestion, treatment for Barrett's esophagus, or esophageal cancer treatment, finding the right healthcare experts to help you is important.

When you’re exploring ways to treat esophageal problems, you should have a skilled and dedicated network of digestive health providers you can trust. At GI Alliance, our GI physicians are available to assist. Request a visit with a member of our team today to find care for esophageal disorders.

What percentage of individuals have esophageal conditions?

Esophageal conditions are experienced by a large number of patients in the United States. As indicated by the American College of Gastroenterology, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) impacts one-fifth of the nation's population, and cancer of the esophagus ranks within the top 10 most commonly diagnosed cancers across the globe. Certain esophageal cancers are linked to lifestyle factors, like the use of tobacco and alcohol consumption, while other types are associated with continuous acid reflux in individuals who have GERD.

In general, acid reflux affects around one-third of adults, and eosinophilic esophagitis (a chronic allergic inflammatory disease) is experienced by around 1 in 2,000 individuals. Dysphagia, a condition characterized by swallowing difficulties, can affect one in six adults, according to the Dysphagia Research Society.

If you could be experiencing esophageal concerns and are looking for an ideal avenue for care, you certainly aren't alone. Request a visit at a GI Alliance location near you. Our experts can help to appropriately diagnose and treat your issue so that you get relief from your symptoms.

What are some of the common esophageal conditions?

Patients may develop certain symptoms affecting esophageal function, such as difficulty swallowing, pain in the chest area while eating, heartburn, or food getting stuck in the esophagus. These symptoms might signal esophageal conditions that require treatment. Some of the common conditions involving the esophagus include:

  • Acid reflux
  • Esophagitis
  • Dysphagia
  • Barrett’s esophagus
  • Eosinophilic esophagitis
  • GERD
  • Cancer of the esophagus

To get esophageal treatment in the United States, request a visit with our team. We will work with you to identify a treatment protocol suited to your unique needs. Whether it's managing GERD symptoms or assisting with esophageal cancer, our team offers reliable treatment when you need it.

When should I seek care from a gastroenterology provider?

Getting esophageal care from a GI physician might be necessary in the event you experience ongoing symptoms that continue for more than two weeks. It's also advised to receive help if the symptoms are impacting the quality of your sleep, if you notice any sudden shifts in the frequency or severity of your symptoms, or if you have intense pain or discomfort.

Esophageal problems can affect people of all ages. If you or a member of your family are having esophageal issues, you don’t have to tackle them by yourself. When you arrange a treatment consultation with our gastroenterology experts at GI Alliance, we can help you receive the proper treatment you deserve. Our gastroenterology doctors enjoy providing options that make a positive difference in your life.

Esophageal treatment options you can count on

At GI Alliance, we’re delighted to be a group of providers who can address the common esophageal conditions that are interfering with your health. To find out more about such disorders and to undergo advanced esophageal treatment from a gastroenterologist you can trust, request an appointment and partner with our team today.