Watch: [Understanding Your Body] Esophagus

⭐English subtitles available⭐

 

 

We eat three meals a day-breakfast, lunch, and dinner-and in between, we consume water, coffee, and snacks.

 

The ingested food travels from the mouth through the esophagus to the stomach, small intestine, and large intestine before being expelled through the anus.

 

Among these, the esophagus serves as a passage that transports food to the digestive organs.

 

However, recently, the esophagus has become increasingly vulnerable to damage from alcohol, smoking, spicy foods, and obesity,

leading to the weakening of the lower esophageal sphincter and exposure to stomach acid.

 

The esophagus, under constant strain

What happens if it malfunctions?

 

The esophagus is a long, tube-like organ about 25 cm in length, extending from the pharynx behind the uvula to the stomach.

 

The esophagus, which runs straight up and down, uses peristaltic movements to transport food from the mouth to the stomach.

Its usual thickness is about the width of a thumb, but it expands significantly when food passes through.

 

The upper esophageal sphincter prevents air from entering the esophagus,

while the lower esophageal sphincter safeguards against the reflux of gastric acid and contents, protecting the esophagus.

 

These esophageal movements are controlled by the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems.

 

Although the esophagus is part of the digestive system, it does not participate in the absorption of nutrients like other organs.

 

The esophageal wall is thin, about 4 mm, and consists of the mucosa, submucosa, muscularis, and adventitia.

 

The esophagus lacks a serosal layer, which means that if cancer develops,

it can easily penetrate the outer wall and spread to adjacent organs.

 

Other issues such as strictures or obstructions can lead to dysphagia, causing malnutrition.

 

Additionally, reduced lower esophageal sphincter pressure or excessive gastric acid secretion, or abnormalities in esophageal peristalsis,

can cause stomach contents to reflux into the esophagus, damaging the esophageal mucosa.

This condition is commonly known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

 

Symptoms typically include heartburn, regurgitation, and a sensation of something stuck in the throat when swallowing.

Severe cases can involve bleeding due to mucosal damage.

 

To maintain esophageal health, avoid extremely hot or cold foods, and reduce intake of salty or spicy foods.

Alcohol, coffee, carbonated beverages, strong spices, and excessive stress should also be avoided.

 

Overeating increases the risk of gastroesophageal reflux,

so it is advisable to eat smaller, more frequent meals and avoid lying down for at least an hour after eating.

If experiencing symptoms such as heartburn, elevating the head while sleeping can be beneficial.

 

Furthermore, through various mechanisms including increased abdominal pressure,

elevated intra-abdominal pressure, and relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter,

obesity can increase the risk of GERD, so it is necessary to reduce weight.