Esophageal emergencies

Emerg Med Clin North Am. 1996 Aug;14(3):557-70. doi: 10.1016/s0733-8627(05)70267-4.

Abstract

Esophageal disorders are commonly seen in the emergency department. Dysphagia (difficulty swallowing) should always be taken seriously and should never be considered a functional complaint, whereas odynophagia (painful swallowing) is usually caused by an inflammatory process. This article addresses dysphagia/odynophagia, as well as esophagitis, neoplasms, gastroesophageal reflux disease, esophageal trauma, and the often difficult differentiation of chest pain of esophageal origin.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Deglutition Disorders / etiology
  • Deglutition Disorders / pathology
  • Deglutition Disorders / therapy
  • Emergencies
  • Esophageal Diseases* / etiology
  • Esophageal Diseases* / physiopathology
  • Esophageal Diseases* / therapy
  • Esophagitis / etiology
  • Esophagus / injuries
  • Gastroesophageal Reflux
  • Humans