Hiccups and related esophageal motor disorders

Gastrointestinal or GI motility disorders are characterized by irregular gastrointestinal tract movements, disrupting food transit from the mouth to the anus. They are caused by damage or dysfunction in gut muscles or nerves. These disorders can cause symptoms such as severe constipation, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and swallowing difficulties. Disorders can affect any segment of the GI tract and range widely in severity, from common conditions like GERD to life-threatening conditions like...

Esophageal strictures involve abnormal narrowing or tightening of the esophagus. They vary in length and severity, ranging from mild constriction to complete obstruction, and are classified as benign (noncancerous) or malignant (cancerous).
Etiology
The primary cause of esophageal strictures is long-standing gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), accounting for about 70 to 80% of adult cases. Chronic acid reflux can lead to injury and scarring of the esophageal lining, culminating in...

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) involves the recurrent backflow of the stomach or duodenal contents into the esophagus, leading to troublesome symptoms and potential esophageal mucosal damage. Although GERD is often referred to as a disease, it is more accurately described as a syndrome, as it encompasses a range of symptoms and complications rather than a singular pathological entity, impacting a large number of individuals as the most prevalent upper gastrointestinal problem. Roughly...

Patients with esophageal strictures often experience a range of symptoms. Initially, they may have difficulty swallowing solid foods, which can progress to include liquids. Additional symptoms may involve chest pain or discomfort, regurgitating food and fluids, heartburn, unintentional weight loss, coughing or choking during meals, and hoarseness.
Healthcare providers should gather a comprehensive medical history and conduct a physical examination for diagnosis. If esophageal stricture is...

The gastrointestinal tract is susceptible to various disorders. If the lower esophageal sphincter is damaged, stomach acid can flow back into the esophagus, causing irritation and inflammation of the lining. This condition is called gastroesophageal reflux disease (known as heartburn) and may cause chest pain and difficulty swallowing. In the stomach, prolonged use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like aspirin, chronic alcohol consumption, bacterial infections such as Helicobacter...

Individuals with Barrett's esophagus are often asymptomatic, but they may experience symptoms commonly associated with GERD, such as heartburn and acid regurgitation. Additional symptoms can include difficulty swallowing, chest pain, unintentional weight loss, blood in the stool (which may appear black, tarry, or bloody), and episodes of vomiting.
To diagnose Barrett's esophagus, healthcare providers often recommend an endoscopy for those showing symptoms of acid reflux. The procedure...