The Oesophageal diseases they can manifest with symptoms that are very common in everyday life, such as reflux, heartburn, difficulty swallowing, regurgitation, or a feeling that food isn't going down well. Although sometimes they are normalised or They confuse them with occasional annoyances, the fact is that they can significantly affect well-being and require specialist assessment to accurately identify their cause.
Some of these pathologies are inflammatory, others functional, and others are related to alterations in oesophageal motility. Many share similar symptoms, but not all are treated the same way. Therefore, having a Accurate diagnosis key to understanding what is happening and being able to indicate the most appropriate treatment in each case.
Functional heartburn
What does it consist of?
The functional pyrosis It's a burning or acidic sensation in the chest similar to reflux, but without a clear organic cause or damage to the oesophagus. In other words, The symptoms are present, but the tests show no structural abnormalities.
It's a functional disorder, where The oesophagus has increased sensitivity to normal stimuli. Therefore, it is important to differentiate it from gastro-oesophageal reflux disease, as the diagnostic approach and treatment are different.
When can I have my first consultation?
si es aconsejable consultar cuando existe A persistent burning sensation that does not improve with usual treatment, when tests show no clear reflux or when symptoms create doubt about its origin.
Associated symptoms
Diagnostic tests associated
- Gastroscopy. This allows for the exclusion of organic causes or injuries.
- Bravo wireless pH monitoring. Assess if actual acid reflux exists.
- Oesophageal manometry. Study the function of the oesophagus.
- Barium swallow. Test with contrast to see how food passes through the oesophagus.
- Conventional pH measurement.A test that measures acidity in the oesophagus over several hours.
Why treat her at GASTEA
Preguntas frecuentes
No. The symptoms are similar, but there is no proven acid reflux or damage to the oesophagus.
Because the oesophagus can have increased sensitivity, perceiving normal stimuli as bothersome.
Yes. While the focus is different from reflux, there are options to manage the symptoms.
No, but it can affect quality of life if not treated properly.
Specialists
Hypersensitive oesophagus
What does it consist of?
The Hypersensitive oesophagus It is a disorder in which the patient presents symptoms such as burning, pain or discomfort similar to reflux, but with a Exaggerated response of the oesophagus in response to stimuli that would barely cause symptoms in other people. In these cases, reflux can occur, but the intensity of the discomfort is disproportionate and is due to increased oesophageal sensitivity.
Unlike others digestive problems, in this case, reflux can exist, but the intensity of the symptoms does not correspond to the actual amount of acid. Therefore, it is essential to have precise diagnosis to differentiate it from other pathologies and establish the appropriate treatment.
When can I have my first consultation?
It is recommended To consult when there is acidity o persistent discomfort which are not fully explained by the tests, or when symptoms are severe in relation to mild reflux findings.
Associated symptoms
Diagnostic tests associated
- Gastroscopy. This allows for the exclusion of organic causes or injuries.
- Bravo wireless pH monitoring. Assess if actual acid reflux exists.
- Oesophageal manometry. Study the function of the oesophagus.
- Barium swallow. Test with contrast to see how food passes through the oesophagus.
- Conventional pH measurement.A test that measures acidity in the oesophagus over several hours.
Why treat her at GASTEA
Preguntas frecuentes
No. Reflux might be present, but the symptoms are more intense than one would expect.
Because the oesophagus is more sensitive to normal stimuli.
Yes. The approach is different to that of reflux and adapts to the patient's sensitivity.
No, but it can significantly affect quality of life if not treated properly.
Specialists
Pharyngeal pouch
What does it consist of?
The Zenker's diverticulum It is an abnormal pouch or opening that forms at the top of the oesophagus, near the throat, and in which food, liquids or secretions may become trapped. This can make swallowing difficult and cause symptoms that tend to worsen over time.
This is a problem that often leads to difficulty swallowing, regurgitation, coughing or choking, and requires specialist assessment to confirm the diagnosis and decide on the most appropriate treatment. The study is usually based on contrast swallow tests. and, where appropriate, can be supplemented with endoscopy.
When can I have my first consultation?
It is advisable to request an initial consultation when Notes: Difficulty swallowing, sensation of food getting stuck. o Excess saliva, especially if these symptoms repeat or worsen
Associated symptoms
Diagnostic tests associated
- Z-POEM. Minimally invasive endoscopic technique for treating upper oesophageal disorders.
- Barium swallow. Test with contrast agent that allows visualisation of food passing through the oesophagus.
Why treat her at GASTEA
Preguntas frecuentes
Not always. Treatment is usually reserved for cases with symptoms or when the problem clearly affects quality of life.
Yes. By accumulating food and secretions, symptoms can become more frequent or intense over time.
The most common test used to confirm this is a contrast swallow study, such as a barium swallow or videofluoroscopy.
Yes. In some patients it can lead to choking, nocturnal coughing or even respiratory aspiration.
Specialists
Oesophageal diverticula
What does it consist of?
Los oesophageal diverticula These are small pouches or dilatations that form in the wall of the oesophagus, where food or liquid can accumulate. They can appear in different areas of the oesophagus and vary in size.
In many cases, they are asymptomatic, but when they increase in size or retain contents, they can to cause discomfort when swallowing or other symptoms. Your diagnosis and monitoring are important for assessing its progression and deciding whether treatment is required.
When can I have my first consultation?
It is advisable to consult when it appears difficulty swallowing, feeling of food retention, regurgitation or discomfort when eating, especially if these symptoms recur or are getting worse.
Associated symptoms
- Difficulty swallowing. Feeling that food is not moving normally down the oesophagus.
- Regurgitation. Return of undigested food after ingestion.
- Feeling of food being stuck. The feeling that food is getting stuck in the gullet.
- Coughs and choking. They can appear especially during or after meals.
Diagnostic tests associated
- Z-POEM. Minimally invasive endoscopic technique for treating upper oesophageal disorders.
- D-POEM. Minimally invasive endoscopic technique for treating diverticula in the oesophagus.
- Barium swallow. Test with contrast agent that allows visualisation of food passing through the oesophagus.
Why treat her at GASTEA
Preguntas frecuentes
No, they are only treated when they cause symptoms or complications.
Yes, in some cases they can increase in size or generate more discomfort.
No. Zenker's is a specific type of diverticulum located in the upper part of the oesophagus.
They can cause food retention, coughing, choking, or difficulty swallowing.
Specialists
Diffuse oesophageal spasm
What does it consist of?
The Diffuse oesophageal spasm It is a disorder in which the oesophagus presents abnormal and uncoordinated contractions when swallowing. Instead of an ordered movement that propels food towards the stomach, there are Irregular contractions that can make it difficult for labour to progress.
These alterations can generate symptoms such as chest pain o Dysphagia, and in many cases they are confused with other digestive or even cardiac problems. That is why an accurate diagnosis is important to correctly identify their origin.
When can I have my first consultation?
It is recommended Seek medical advice when experiencing chest pain. difficulty swallowing or intermittent episodes of discomfort when eating, especially if they are recurrent or cause concern.
Associated symptoms
Diagnostic tests associated
- Poem. Minimally invasive endoscopic technique for the treatment of oesophageal motility disorders.
- Oesophageal manometry. Key test to detect abnormal oesophageal contractions.
- Barium swallow.Contrast study that allows visualisation of food passing through the oesophagus.
- Conventional pH measurement. A test that measures acidity in the oesophagus over a period of time.
- Endoflip. A test that measures the distensibility and function of the oesophagus using a balloon with sensors during an endoscopy.
Why treat her at GASTEA
Preguntas frecuentes
No, but it can cause annoying symptoms and affect quality of life.
Yes, especially with heart pain, which is why a good diagnosis is important.
Yes. There are options to improve oesophageal symptoms and function.
Not always. They usually appear intermittently.
Specialists
Esophagus (Jackhammer)
What does it consist of?
The Oesophageal hypercontractility, also known as “Jackhammer” oesophagus, It is a disorder in which the contractions of the œsophagus are excessively intense, although they maintain some coordination. This can to make it difficult for food to pass and cause significant discomfort.
Unlike other disorders, here the problem isn't a lack of movement, but rather a excessive force in contractions. Therefore, a precise diagnosis is fundamental to differentiate it and establish the most appropriate treatment.
When can I have my first consultation?
si es aconsejable consultar cuando existe recurrent chest pain, difficulty swallowing or a sensation of food passing abnormally, especially if symptoms recur or cause concern.
Associated symptoms
Diagnostic tests associated
- Poem. Minimally invasive endoscopic technique for the treatment of oesophageal motility disorders.
- Oesophageal manometry. Key test to detect abnormal oesophageal contractions.
- Barium swallow.Contrast study that allows visualisation of food passing through the oesophagus.
- Conventional pH measurement. A test that measures acidity in the oesophagus over a period of time.
- Endoflip. A test that measures the distensibility and function of the oesophagus using a balloon with sensors during an endoscopy.
Why treat her at GASTEA
Preguntas frecuentes
It's not very common, but it requires a specialist diagnosis to detect it correctly.
Yes, especially with other oesophageal disorders or even with heart problems.
Yes. There are options to improve symptoms and reduce the intensity of contractions.
Not always. They tend to appear in intermittent episodes.
Specialists
Functional obstruction of the oesophagogastric junction
What does it consist of?
The functional obstruction of the oesophagogastric junction is a disorder in which the passage of food from the oesophagus to the stomach is hindered, not by a physical obstruction, but by a A problem with the relaxation or functioning of this area.
Although there is no visible injury, the sphincter does not open correctly, which can lead to symptoms similar to other oesophageal disorders. Therefore, an accurate diagnosis is essential for differentiate it from pathologies such as achalasia and guide treatment correctly.
When can I have my first consultation?
si es aconsejable consultar cuando existe Difficulty swallowing, feeling like food isn't going down well Persistent symptoms with no clear cause on routine tests.
Associated symptoms
Diagnostic tests associated
- Poem. Minimally invasive endoscopic technique for the treatment of oesophageal motility disorders.
- Oesophageal manometry. Key test to detect abnormal oesophageal contractions.
- Barium swallow.Contrast study that allows visualisation of food passing through the oesophagus.
- Conventional pH measurement. A test that measures acidity in the oesophagus over a period of time.
- Endoflip. A test that measures the distensibility and function of the oesophagus using a balloon with sensors during an endoscopy.
Why treat her at GASTEA
Preguntas frecuentes
No. Although they are similar, this is a different disorder that requires a specific diagnosis.
Not always.
In most cases, the endoscopy is normal, as it is a functional problem.
Yes. There are options that help improve function and symptoms.
Yes, you can.
In some cases, symptoms can become more frequent or intense if not identified and treated correctly.
Specialists
Oesophageal cancer
What does it consist of?
The Oesophageal cancer it is a disease in which abnormal cells develop in the oesophagus which can grow progressively. In many cases, it is associated with factors such as long-standing reflux or Barrett's oesophagus.
Water Early detection is key., as in the initial stages, it can be treated with less invasive techniques. That's why, in the face of symptoms or risk factors, it is fundamental carry out a specialised assessment and proper study.
When can I have my first consultation?
It is recommended Seek consultation for progressive difficulty swallowing, unexplained weight loss, pain when swallowing, or persistent reflux symptoms, especially if they have changed or worsened.
Associated symptoms
- Dysphagia. Difficulty swallowing.
- Dysphagia. Feeling of food getting stuck.
- Black stools.
- Weight loss does not explain. (involuntary)
- Iron deficiency anaemia.
- Oesophageal achalasia.
Diagnostic tests associated
- Gastroscopy. This allows for visualisation of the oesophagus and detection of suspicious lesions.
- Chromoendoscopy and magnification. Improves the detection of early-stage injuries.
- RME.Endoscopic technique for the removal of superficial oesophageal lesions.
- Public Examinations.Endoscopic procedure to resect abnormal mucosal areas.
- Endoscopic ultrasound.Test that combines endoscopy and ultrasound to study the oesophagus in depth.
- Barium swallow. Study with contrast that allows visualisation of the passage of food through the oesophagus.
- TAC. Image test that obtains detailed cuts of the inside of the body.
- Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR). Imaging technique that uses magnetic fields to obtain detailed images.
- Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scan. Imaging test that detects the metabolic activity of tissues.
Why treat her at GASTEA
Preguntas frecuentes
No. In the early stages, it may not show symptoms, which is why early diagnosis is key.
Yes. With the right tests, it is possible to identify it in the early stages.
No. In some cases, it can be treated with less invasive endoscopic techniques.
Yes, especially in cases of chronic reflux or Barrett's oesophagus.
Specialist
- Full and personalised clinical assessment. Detailed analysis of symptoms, history, and previous tests to understand your case in depth.
- Clear diagnostic guidance. Definition of the following steps, necessary tests and the most suitable approach from the outset.
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