Esophageal Erosion Stages

Esophageal erosion signifies the gradual deterioration of the esophagus (food pipe), the tube which receives the food from the mouth and delivers it to the stomach. Though this sounds rather simple it is not so. It is not that food, when swallowed, just drops from the esophagus into the stomach. When the food reaches the esophagus from the mouth a series of muscular movements gradually takes the food down into the stomach. There are no fast movements. That is why it is always recommended to eat food slowly, chew it properly and swallow without haste.

How and why does the food pipe deteriorate?

In a majority of the cases the wear and tear of the esophagus is caused due to digestive problems. The most common of digestive problems is gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). In this condition the stomach contents back up into the esophagus since the flap which secures the opening between the food pipe and stomach malfunctions and does not close properly. This constant backing up of stomach acid into the esophagus results in damage to the food pipe leading to steady erosion of the esophageal lining. This erosion gives rise to a host of problems.

Stomach acid:

The acid present the stomach is chiefly responsible for the digestion of the food. To protect the stomach itself from this acid, nature provides a special stomach lining to the stomach every 4-5 days. This gives us an idea as to how strong the stomach acid actually is. Now, when this acid climbs into the esophagus which has no such luxury of a special lining, one can imagine the havoc it is going to cause in the food pipe. When this occurrence is rare then it is tolerable but when it becomes an everyday affair the food pipe gives in and starts deteriorating and so does the affected person. It is like Mike Tyson getting into the ring with a featherweight.

Causes of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD):

Malfunctioning of lower esophageal sphincter muscles

The opening of the esophagus into the stomach is guarded by a set of muscles which act as a covering. Its prime function is to prevent food coming back into the food pipe from the stomach. When this flap weakens the food content from the stomach gets a free pass back into the esophagus causing serious problems.

Other causes:

• Improper stomach function
• Esophagus abnormalities
• Hiatal hernia
• Genetic issues
• Diabetes
• Gastrointestinal disorder
• Lymphomas

Esophageal Erosion Stages

Inflammation:

In the initial stages when the stomach acid starts its entry into the food pipe the result is the swelling of the esophagus. This lining of the food tube becomes red and bruised causing a burning sensation in parts or the entire length of the esophagus. This condition is termed as acid indigestion or heartburn.

Stricture:

The swelling of the esophagus may lead to the lining of the food tube getting swollen. This swelling narrows down the passageway of the food pipe making swallowing food and even saliva difficult. This swelling can occur at any area along the esophagus.

Ulcers:

Further, the constant presence of stomach acid in the food pipe makes way for ulcers. These normally occur at the base of the food pipe which always takes the first hit and hence is the worst affected.

Bleeding:

The next stage is bleeding from the bruises of the esophagus. When blood is noticed in the stools or vomit of the affected person, then it is a dangerous sign.

Tooth decay:
Other parts such mouth and teeth get affected as the esophagus erosion advances.