

![]() |
Backwards movement of food through the esophagus and possibly mouth (regurgitation) Chest pain unrelated to eating; Difficulty swallowing solids or liquids; Heartburn; Vomiting blood; Weight loss;
|
|
Causes The exact cause of esophageal cancer is unknown, although many investigators believe that chronic irritation of the esophagus is a major culprit. Most of the identified risk factors represent a form of chronic irritation. However, the wide ...
|
|
The exact cause of esophageal cancer is unknown, although many investigators believe that chronic irritation of the esophagus is a major culprit. Most of the identified risk factors represent a form of chronic irritation. However, the wide varianc...
|
![]() |
Question: Why does it get harder to lose weight with age? Answer: One must burn more calories than one takes in to lose weight at any age. This can be done either with caloric restriction or with exercise. Although metabolism slows down somewhat a...
|
|
Weight loss is a reduction in body mass characterized by a loss of adipose tissue (body fat) and skeletal muscle.
|
![]() |
Heartburn is a painful burning sensation in the esophagus, just below or behind the breastbone. The pain often rises in your chest and may radiate to your neck or throat.
|
|
Heartburn is a burning sensation in the chest that can extend to the neck, throat, and face. It usually occurs after eating and is worsened by bending, lifting, or lying down.
|
|
Heartburn is a burning sensation in the chest that can extend to the neck, throat, and face; it is worsened by bending or lying down. It is the primary symptom of gastroesophageal reflux, which is the movement of stomach acid into the esophagus. O...
|
![]() |
Gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding refers to any bleeding that starts in the gastrointestinal tract, which extends from the mouth to the anus. The amount of bleeding can range from nearly undetectable to acute, massive, and life threatening. Bleeding ...
|
|
GI bleeding studies uses radioactive materials in the investigation of bleeding from the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. These studies go under various names such as "GI bleeding scans" or "Tagged red blood cell scans." They are performed and interpr...
|
|
Unintentional weight loss is a decrease in body weight that is not voluntary. In other words, you did not try to loss the weight by dieting or exercising. See: Intentional weight loss
|
![]() |
Bloody stools often indicate an injury or disorder in the digestive tract. Your doctor may use the term "melena" to describe black, tarry, and foul-smelling stools or "hematochezia" to describe red- or maroon-colored stools.
|
|
Dysphagia is a disorder of swallowing.
|
|
The color of vomited blood varies depending on the amount of time the blood has been in the gastrointestinal system. If there is a delay in vomiting, blood will appear dark red, brown or black and precipitated blood clots produce the appearance of coffee ground like material.
|
|
Vomiting is the forceful discharge of stomach contents through the mouth.
|
![]() |
Nausea is the sensation of having an urge to vomit. Vomiting is forcing the contents of the stomach up through the esophagus and out of the mouth.
|
|
Nausea is the sensation of having a queasy stomach or being about to vomit. Vomiting , or emesis, is the expelling of undigested food through the mouth.
|
![]() |
Coughing is an important way to keep your throat and airways clear. However, excessive coughing may mean you have an underlying disease or disorder. Some coughs are dry, while others are considered productive. A productive cough is one that brings...
|
|
A cough is a forceful release of air from the lungs that can be heard. Coughing protects the respiratory system by clearing it of irritants and secretions.
|
|
A cough is a forceful release of air from the lungs that can be heard. Coughing protects the respiratory system by clearing it of irritants and secretions.
|
|
A cough is a forceful release of air from the lungs that can be heard. Coughing protects the respiratory system by clearing it of irritants and secretions.
|
![]() |
A sore throat is discomfort, pain, or scratchiness in the throat. A sore throat often makes it painful to swallow.
|
|
Sore throat, also called pharyngitis, is a painful inflammation of the mucous membranes lining the pharynx. It is a symptom of many conditions, but most often is associated with colds or influenza . Sore throat may be caused by either viral or bac...
|
|
Sore throat is an upper respiratory infection that may be caused by inflammation of the pharynx, larynx, or tonsils. Thus, it is a symptom of many conditions, but most often is associated with common cold or influenza . Sore throat may be caused b...
|
|
|
Sore throat is a painful inflammation of the mucous membranes lining the pharynx.
|
|
|
Sore throat, also called pharyngitis, is a painful inflammation of the back of the throat. It is a symptom of many conditions, but most often is associated with colds or influenza . Sore throat may be caused by either viral or bacterial infections...
|
![]() |
Hoarseness is having difficulty producing sound when trying to speak, or a change in the pitch or quality of the voice. The voice may sound weak, very breathy, scratchy, or husky.
|
|
A voice disorder is an abnormality of one or more of the three characteristics of voice: pitch, intensity (loudness), and quality (resonance).
|
|
Vomiting blood is a backward flowing (regurgitation) of blood through the upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract. The upper GI tract includes the stomach, mouth, throat, esophagus (the swallowing tube), and the first part of the small intestine.
|
|
Stools are produced in the intestines and are the end product of the digestive system. When we consume food, it passes from our stomach into our intestines.
|
|
Aversion to food and drink can be a temporary response to a benign illness, as with the common cold, or a response to a complex interaction of physical, mental and behavioral issues. While it is normal to experience a loss of appetite with certain conditions, when aversion to food and drink results in significant weight loss and nutritional deficits, it is important to seek medical advice.
|


