Bma Illustrated Medical Dictionary

of reducing pain and providing nursing

care until the oesophagus heals.

Reflux oesophagitis is due to poor

function of the muscles in the lower

oesophagus, which permits the stom-

ach’s acidic contents to rise back into

the oesophagus (see acid reflux). The

main symptom, heartburn, may be wor-

sened by alcohol, smoking, and obesity.

Poor function of the lower oesophagus

may be linked with a hiatus hernia.

Treatment focuses on diet and lifestyle

changes. Antacid drugshelp to reduce

acidity. Surgical treatment may be nec-

essary for a hiatus hernia.

Barrett’s oesophagus, a complication

of reflux oesophagitis, may lead to can-

cer. Severe, chronic oesophagitis can

cause an oesophageal stricture.

oesophagogastroduodenoscopy An

examination of the upper digestive tract

using an endoscope(see gastroscopy).

oesophagogastroscopyExamination

of the oesophagusand stomach using

an endoscope (see gastroscopy).

oesophagoscopyEndoscopicexamina-

tion of the oesophagus(see gastroscopy).

oesophagusThe muscular tube that

carries food to the stomach; a part of

the digestive tract (see digestive system).

The top end has a sphincter muscle that

opens to allow the passage of food; a

similar sphincter operates where the

oesophagus joins the stomach. Peristal-

sis propels food and liquids down

towards the stomach and intestines for

digestion. (See also swallowing.)

oesophagus, cancer ofA malignant

tumour, most common in people over

50, that mainly affects the middle or

lower oesophagusand leads to swallow-

ing difficulties. Smoking and heavy

alcohol intake are risk factors.

Symptoms progressively worsen to a

point where food is immediately regur-

gitated and there is rapid weight loss.

Regurgitated fluid spilling into the tra-

cheaoften causes respiratory infections.

Diagnosis is with a barium swallow (see

barium X-ray examinations) and a biopsy

taken during endoscopy. Removal of the

oesophagus may be possible in some

cases. Radiotherapymay cause regres-

sion of the cancer, relieve symptoms,

and occasionally cure older patients who

might not survive major surgery. Inser-

tion of a rigid tube through the tumour,

or laser treatment to burn through it, can

help to relieve symptoms and improve

nutrition. The overall outlook is poor,

but is improved with early diagnosis.

oesophagus, disorders ofSeveral

disorders, most of which cause swal-

lowing difficulties and/or chest pain.

Infections of the oesophagus are rare

but may occur in immunosuppressed

patients. The most common are herpes

simplexand candidiasis(thrush). Oeso-

phagitis is usually due to reflux of

stomach contents, causing heartburn.

Corrosive oesophagitis can occur as a

result of swallowing caustic chemicals.

Both may cause an oesophageal stricture.

Congenital defects include oesophag-

eal atresia, which requires surgery soon

after birth. Tumours of the oesophagus

are quite common; about 90 per cent are

cancerous (see oesophagus, cancer of).

Injury to the oesophagus is most com-

monly caused by a tear or rupture due

to severe vomiting and retching. (See

also swallowing difficulty.)

oestradiolSee estradiol.

oestriolSee estriol.

oestrogen drugsA group of synthetic-

ally produced drugs that are used in oral

contraceptivesand to supplement or re-

place the body’s own oestrogen hormones.

OESOPHAGOGASTRODUODENOSCOPY OESTROGEN DRUGS

O

Mouth

Oesophagus

Stomach

Tongue

Epiglottis

Pharynx

OESOPHAGUS