Oesophagitis is inflammation of the OESOPHAGUS and may be due to swallowing a corrosive chemical (corrosive oesophagitis) or because the muscles of the lower part of the oesophagus fail to work properly (ACHALASIA), allowing the stomach's acidic contents to regurgitate (reflux oesophagitis). HIATUS HERNIA is sometimes associated with the latter condition. Oesophageal varices are dilated veins in the area of the junction between stomach and oesophagus prone to bleeding, a complication of certain liver diseases (see PORTAL HYPERTENSION). Diagnosis of oesophageal disorders can be made by ENDOSCOPY and/or an X-ray examination using a CONTRAST MEDIUM swallow. Treatment of reflux oesophagitis is by an appropriate diet and weight loss, together with medication such as PROTON-PUMP INHIBITORS.

Corrosive oesophagitis and oesophageal cancer can lead to a STRICTURE. The chief symptom is increasing difficulty in swallowing which may require dilatation with an instrument for relief. With oesophageal cancer there may also be increasing debility, together with enlargement of the glands in the neck. In some cases treatment with irradiation or anti-cancer drugs improves matters, if not cure. In those for whom neither operation nor radiation can be performed, life may be prolonged and freedom from pain obtained by using fluid food either swallowed or passed down a tube into the stomach. Strictures of the oesophagus may also be produced by the pressure of tumours or an ANEURYSM within the cavity of the chest but external to the oesophagus. Difficulty in swallowing (dysphagia) sometimes occurs in serious neurological diseases affecting the nerves supplying the muscular coats of the PHARYNX, which thus loses its propulsive power (bulbar paralysis).