Esophageal Disorders in Plainsboro & Monroe, NJ
What are Esophageal Disorders?
The esophagus is a tube that extends from the back of the mouth to the stomach and carries food to it. When patients have an abnormal esophagus, eating or swallowing may be difficult. Esophageal disorders fall into four basic categories:
- Structural abnormalities, whereby the esophagus itself is malformed
- Motility abnormalities, which are conditions that result in difficulty swallowing
- Inflammatory disorders, generally referred to as esophagitis
- Malignancies or tumors
What Causes Esophageal Disorders?
The causes of esophageal disorders are wide and varied. A few of the things that might cause them are:
- Birth defects
- Cancer
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), which leads to acid from the stomach splashing onto the esophagus
- Fungal or viral infections
- Hiatal hernia
Benefits of Esophageal Disorder Treatment
Patients with an esophageal disorder may have difficulty swallowing, which in turn can lead to choking. Seeking treatment for this disorder can eliminate this fear and allow them to enjoy a normal lifestyle.
How are Esophageal Disorders Treated?
The treatment will depend on the type of disorder present and its severity. In some cases, lifestyle and diet changes may be all that are needed to resolve the issue. Others may require medication or surgery.
Preparing for Esophageal Disorder Treatment
Esophageal disorders are all treated differently, based on their cause. Once Dr. Kay has identified the source of your discomfort, he will then advise you of his findings, and come up with a treatment plan to resolve the issue. At that time, you will be given instructions on how to prepare for treatment.
Esophageal Disorder Treatment Recovery
Again, this will vary based on the type of treatment recommended. You will be given a list of instructions to follow during your recovery period prior to any procedures.
How Much Does Esophageal Disorder Treatment Cost?
This also depends on the type of treatment recommended. You may incur initial expenses for a procedure and ongoing expenses in the form of medication. We accept most major health plans and also allow you to pay any remaining balance with cash, personal checks, major credit cards or CareCredit® financing.
Is Esophageal Disorder Treatment Right for Me?
Esophageal disorders do not go away on their own. Even if your symptoms are relatively mild, they may become worse over time. Seeking treatment is recommended any time an issue with the esophagus is present, as it could lead to swallowing problems that could cause choking and even death.
Why Choose Princeton Otolaryngology Associates: Dr. Scott L. Kay for Esophageal Disorders?
Esophageal disorders often require multi-faceted treatment, which is why having a board certified otolaryngologist such as Dr. Scott Kay care for you is so important. Should surgery be needed, you can take comfort knowing he has received extensive endoscopic surgical training during his fellowship at Shadyside Hospital in Pittsburgh, PA.
What to Expect During Your Consultation for Esophageal Disorders
To make an accurate diagnosis, Dr. Kay will need to know as much information about your condition as possible. Think about whether certain things trigger your symptoms, and then make a list of them. After reviewing them, certain tests may be recommended to help narrow down the cause. Dr. Kay will also review your health history, and talk with you about your diet and lifestyle. Based upon your answers, he may recommend additional measures such as dieting or smoking cessation.