MEDICAL BIOLOGY, HUMAN ANATOMY, PHYSIOLOGY AND PATHOLOGY - Y.I. Fedoniuk 2010

ANATOMY, PHYSIOLOGY, PATHOLOGY

CHAPTER 7. THE NUTRITIONAL PROCESS AND ITS PATHOLOGY

PATHOLOGY OF THE DIGESTIVE SYSTEM

PATHOLOGY OF THE ESOPHAGUS

2. ESOPHAGITIS

Diseases of the Esophagus are relatively uncommon; the most frequently encountered conditions are inflammation of the mucous membrane, known as esophagitis, and esophageal Cancer.

Esophagitis can take an acute or chronic course. Acute esophagitis occurs due to chemical, thermal, mechanical, and bacterial factors (such as diphtheria or scarlet fever). Chemical Burns of the esophagus are the most common, with alkali burns being the most severe. Low-concentration solutions of acids and alkalis, as well as mild thermal trauma, typically cause catarrhal inflammation (erythema) of the mucosa, which usually resolves with complete recovery and no residual scarring. In cases where the necrotic lesion is confined to the mucous membrane, superficial scars develop that do not compromise the elasticity of the esophageal wall. When necrosis extends to the muscular layer of the esophagus, deep scarring affects the entire thickness of the organ wall, resulting in a marked reduction in elasticity and distensibility within the damaged area.

Chronic esophagitis develops As a result of continuous irritation of the esophagus by alcohol, hot food, and tobacco smoke. It can also stem from impaired Blood Circulation in the esophagus caused by congestion associated with chronic Heart failure, Liver cirrhosis, or portal Hypertension.



Last update: 08/08/2026

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