øsofageal

Øsofageal is an adjective used in Norwegian to describe things related to the esophagus, the muscular tube that transports food and liquid from the pharynx to the stomach. In English, the corresponding terms are esophageal or oesophageal.

Anatomy and function

The esophagus measures about 25 centimeters in adults and traverses the posterior mediastinum before reaching the stomach at the gastroesophageal junction. Its wall comprises mucosa, submucosa, muscularis propria, and adventitia. Coordinated peristaltic contractions move swallowed material downward, aided by the lower esophageal sphincter, which normally tightens to prevent reflux but relaxes to allow passage of food.

Common øsofageal disorders

Øsofageal disorders include gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), esophagitis, Barrett’s esophagus, esophageal strictures, achalasia, esophageal varices, and esophageal cancer. Risk factors such as smoking, obesity, chronic reflux, alcohol use, and advancing age can increase the likelihood of disease. Symptoms may include heartburn, dysphagia (difficulty swallowing), odynophagia (painful swallowing), regurgitation, chest pain, and unintended weight loss.

Diagnosis

Evaluation typically involves upper endoscopy with biopsy, which allows visualization and sampling of the mucosa. Other diagnostic tools include barium swallow radiography, esophageal manometry to assess motility, and 24-hour pH monitoring to quantify acid exposure.

Treatment and management

Management depends on the specific øsofageal condition. General approaches include lifestyle and dietary modifications, acid-suppressive medications such as proton pump inhibitors, and endoscopic therapies. Surgical options may be considered for GERD (fundoplication), achalasia (myotomy), or esophageal cancer (resection). Early detection generally improves outcomes and prognosis varies by disease stage and type.