Oesophagus: Treatment, Procedure, Cost and Side Effects

The Oesophagus is also known as the food pipe.

The oesophagus refers to the food pipe of the human body. Food items and liquid are passed through it to be used by the body for nutrition. Sometimes, if the food is not chewed properly, it can irritate the lining of the food pipe causing an inflammation. If left untreated, this condition can become very uncomfortable, causing problems with swallowing, ulcers, and scarring of the esophagus. In some instances, a condition known as Barrett's esophagus may develop, which is a risk factor for esophageal cancer. Our food pipe which is also known as the oesophagus has four layers. The first layer is known as the mucosa – this is the innermost layer that helps your food to travel from your mouth to the stomach. The second layer is known as the submucosa – this layer comprises of certain glands that help your body to produce mucus/ phlegm which helps the oesphagus from getting dry. The third layer is called the muscularis – this layer is known as the muscular layer of your food pipe that helps to stimulate and push the food right into your stomach. The fourth layer is called the adventitia- this is the layer that attaches the food pipe to the adjoining body parts.

The infection of the oesophagus can be caused by the bacteria called candida. It can be treated by antifungal drugs.

Herpes can also be caused which can also be treated by antiviral drugs.

Surgery has to be undergone if the infection is excessive and cannot be healed by antibiotics.

Upper GI series or barium swallows can also be undergone. During this procedure, X-rays are taken of the esophagus after drinking a barium solution. Barium coats the lining of the esophagus and shows up white on an X-ray. This characteristic enables doctors to view certain abnormalities of the esophagus. The most common form of esophageal disease is gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) where the acids in your stomach are released into the esophagus and results in a burning sensation in your food pipe when you try to swallow anything. Certain medications are applied to reduce the burning sensation and mostly antacids help in reducing the problems. Individuals who are diagnosed with Barrett’s Esophagus have a good chance to be diagnosed with esophageal cancer which can be treated to a therapeutic level by radiation therapies, chemotherapies and ablation procedures. Problems associated with the food pipe can be treated with a surgical procedure known as myotomy where the stiff muscles in your food pipe are removed to reduce the swelling and inflammations.

Any individual suffering from the infection or disease of the oesophagus is eligible for its treatment. It is most commonly found in adults above the age of 30 and elderly individuals.

This treatment is risky for children and hence needs to be carried out only on the doctor's recommendation if and when a child is infected with an infection or disease of the same.

Side effects like nausea, hernia, intoxication, vomiting and so on can be followed by the treatment.

The patient has to take some measures to limit or decrease the infection of the oesophagus. Spicy foods such as chili powder, pepper, curry and nutmeg.

Hard foods such as nuts, vegetables, crackers and others should be avoided.

Acidic foods and beverages such as tomatoes, oranges, grapefruits and juices should be avoided. Imitation fruit drinks containing vitamin C can however be consumed.

Soft foods such as applesauce, cooked cereals, mashed potatoes and so on should be consumed as it would be easier to swallow through the food pipe.

Small bites should be taken and food should be thoroughly chewed.

Liquids should be consumed with a straw to help smoothen the food track.

It takes about a month or so to recover from the oesophagus infection or disease. If the precautions are thoroughly followed, the treatment can be done effectively and in a shorter span of time.

The cost for treatment for the oesophagus starts from Rs. 2 lakhs and goes upto Rs. 20 lakhs depending upon the severity of the condition.

The results of the treatment are largely permanent. But the oesophagus can be infected again if the wrong kind of food items are consumed, or swallowed in a wrong way that infects or scratches the oesophagus.