Question 1

can acid reflux cause esophagus spasm and thus dysphagia?

Accepted Answer

Sure, see GI doctor: Difficulty swallowing ("dysphagia") can be distinguished as a "transfer" problem (difficulty moving food from mouth to top of esophagus), "transit" problem (difficulty moving food down the esophagus), "spasm", gerd (due to sphincter problems), or obstructive (webs, rings, strictures, ulcer, tumor).  Best to see a gastroenterologist (gi doctor) for evaluation and treatment.

Question 2

reasons for dysphagia. is esophageal cancer a common cause?

Accepted Answer

Yes, also others.: Progressive dysphagia is the major sign for esophageal cancer.  This starts with solids, then is seen with liquids.  Weight loss is also seen.  Other causes for dysphagia include oropharyngeal (plummer-vinson syndrome), schatski ring, and zenker's diverticulum.  These have varying degrees of dysphagia, and not all are progressive.

Question 3

can esophogitis be prevented when there is progressive neuromuscular problem that causes esophageal dysphagia, esp. if ppis arent satisfactory?

Accepted Answer

Use antacids as reco: PPIs are the best medicine to reduce acid production(which is the cause of esophagitis). But there is an optimum maximum dose for each PPI which you should find out from your doctor and use the full dose so that there is complete shut down of acid production. That will minimize the esophageal inflammation(Esophagitis).

Question 4

if my globus sensation /dysphagia went away after a little over a month, can i feel assured that it isn't esophageal cancer? would it come and go?

Accepted Answer

Cancer unlikely: From what you described and your age, 28 years, it is very unlikely that you have esophageal cancer.

Question 5

how does gerd cause dysphagia if my esophagus is normal with no scarring or narrowing?  i have no heartburn or any other gerd symptoms?

Accepted Answer

Spasms: The acid reflux can cause the muscles of the esophagus to spasm and cause a temporary blockage or narrowing.

Question 6

how does acid reflux cause dysphagia if my gi did a endoscopy 2x which shows my esophagus as normal.i have no acid reflux symptoms?nexium (esomeprazole) fixed this.

Accepted Answer

Inflammation: Dysphagia was probably caused by inflammatory changes due to reflux. A biopsy would have shown inflammatory cells. Nexium (esomeprazole) decreases the acid so decreases the inflammation which will make the dysphagia go away. Check the pathology report to see if your dr did a biopsy of esophagus

Question 7

thanks in advance! is a high resolution esophageal manometry or esophagram more accurate for dysphagia diagnosis? can either be incorrect or why the difference? manometry was essentially normal and 6 months later esophagram showed impaired esophagus?

Accepted Answer

: The two procedures are complimentary but generally if done right Esophageal manometry usually gives more information about what is going on in term of esophageal motility.

Question 8

had dysphagia. 2 endoscopies showed esophagus as normal. zero gerd symptoms at all. nexium (esomeprazole) cured the dysphagia. what do i have? can a gi answer-thanks

Accepted Answer

Consider these...: Difficulty swallowing ("dysphagia") can be distinguished as a "transfer" problem (difficulty moving food from mouth to top of esophagus), "transit" problem (difficulty moving food down the esophagus), "spasm", gerd (due to sphincter problems), or obstructive (webs, rings, strictures, ulcer, tumor). MIght still want to see a gastroenterologist (gi doctor) for evaluation &amp; further treatment options.

Question 9

by the time you experience dysphagia with solids, how long can you generally survive esophageal cancer with no treatment? how rapidly do symptoms progress without treatment?

Accepted Answer

Variable: The course of esophageal cancer is variable as with most diseases. Visit this site for information on this topic:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/esophageal-cancer/symptoms-causes/syc-20356084
Wish you good health!

Question 10

dysphagia vs globus- what's difference & which is sign of esophageal cancer? going on 3+ weeks, constant. long history of gerd. dr said no endoscopy needed.

Accepted Answer

Tough: Dysphagia is usually a problem with a neurologic cause. It is difficulty in swallowing to the point  the person may aspirate in any of the phases of swallowing.
Globus is a problem with swallowing that is usually thought to be psychogenic in origin and is made worse by stress and anxiety. Re the GERD, see your doctor again and at your age you may not need an EGD. Ask the doctor why no endoscopy.

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Doctor answers about:

Slick diet for esophageal dysphagia

A member asked:

Can acid reflux cause esophagus spasm and thus dysphagia?

A member asked:

Reasons for dysphagia. is esophageal cancer a common cause?

A member asked:

Can esophogitis be prevented when there is progressive neuromuscular problem that causes esophageal dysphagia, esp. if ppis arent satisfactory?

A member asked:

If my globus sensation /dysphagia went away after a little over a month, can i feel assured that it isn't esophageal cancer? would it come and go?

A member asked:

How does gerd cause dysphagia if my esophagus is normal with no scarring or narrowing? i have no heartburn or any other gerd symptoms?

A member asked:

How does acid reflux cause dysphagia if my gi did a endoscopy 2x which shows my esophagus as normal.i have no acid reflux symptoms?nexium (esomeprazole) fixed this.

A member asked:

Thanks in advance! is a high resolution esophageal manometry or esophagram more accurate for dysphagia diagnosis? can either be incorrect or why the difference? manometry was essentially normal and 6 months later esophagram showed impaired esophagus?

A member asked:

Had dysphagia. 2 endoscopies showed esophagus as normal. zero gerd symptoms at all. nexium (esomeprazole) cured the dysphagia. what do i have? can a gi answer-thanks

A member asked:

By the time you experience dysphagia with solids, how long can you generally survive esophageal cancer with no treatment? how rapidly do symptoms progress without treatment?

A member asked:

Dysphagia vs globus- what's difference & which is sign of esophageal cancer? going on 3+ weeks, constant. long history of gerd. dr said no endoscopy needed.

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