Etiology

Inflammation of this passage may be of a catarrhal nature, but the rule is that it comes from injuries, such as scalding, accidentally swallowing acids, swallowing a fish-bone, or any other kind of bone that will cut, scratch, or denude, and start up irritation, inflammation, and ulceration.

Some authors describe a pseudo-membranous inflammation of a diphtheritic nature. I see no reason why a putrid sore throat or a tonsilitis could not be extended down the esophagus, and even to the stomach, but if these cases are treated as they should be, and controlled in regard to swelling, the disease need not be extended to this passage. Cancer has been described in this location, but in all probability it was first a wound to the walls of the passage, and the irritation ended in ulceration, and eventually ulceration merged into a cancer.

Symptoms

Pain in swallowing is always present in severe inflammations of the esophagus. A dull pain beneath the sternum is felt. The presence of foreign substances in the esophagus may The suspected when the food regurgitates. In scalds and injuries of a severe character the inflammation may be great enough to end in stricture. This will interfere with swallowing.

Treatment

Acute inflammation of this organ should be treated the same as acute inflammation anywhere. A fast of sufficient duration to overcome discomfort, and then fluid food of the proper character, should be taken until all the symptoms have vanished. Orange juice, milk, broths, and soups are in order. In case of stricture, it is not possible to eat food that has to be swallowed in a bolus, because it cannot get by. It is necessary to give fluid foods, and bougies will be required to enlarge the stricture. Begin with a small bougie, and gradually work up to one large enough to fit the caliber of the esophagus.