Esophagus Related Causes

Monday, 27 December 2010

Esophagus Related Causes
Chest pain originating from the esophagus may have several causes.

• Acid reflux (GERD) may be caused by any factors that decrease the pressure on the lower part of the esophagus, decreased movement of the esophagus, or prolonged emptying of the stomach. This condition may be brought on by:
  • consumption of high-fat foods,
    
    
  • nicotine use,
    
    
  • alcohol use,
    
    
  • caffeine, pregnancy,
    
    
  • certain medications (for example, nitrates, calcium channel blockers, anticholinergics, estrogen, progesterone),
    
    
  • diabetes, or
    
    
  • scleroderma.
    
• Esophagitis may be caused by yeast, fungi, viruses, bacteria, or irritation from medications.
  
  
• Esophageal spasm is caused by excessive, intensified, or uncoordinated contractions of the smooth muscle of the esophagus. Spasm may be triggered by emotional upset or swallowing very hot or cold liquids.