There is strong evidence of a bidirectional relationship between gastroesophageal reflux disease and sleep disturbances. Gastroesophageal reflux (GER) events during the night result in sleep disturbances that include difficulty in…
Achalasia is a rare motility disorder of the esophagus characterized by the absence of peristalsis and defective relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter. Patients present at all ages with dysphagia…
The concept of esophageal spastic disorders encompasses spastic achalasia, distal esophageal spasm, and jackhammer esophagus. These are conceptually distinct in that spastic achalasia and distal esophageal spasm are characterized by…
Pharmacologic treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease is based upon gastric acid suppression with proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). In many patients, symptoms persist despite PPI treatment. For some, ongoing symptoms may…
Although conventional manometry set the basis for the diagnosis of esophageal motility disorders, the large axial spacing between recording sites leaves large portions of the esophagus unevaluated and vulnerable to…
Nicholas J. Shaheen, MD, MPH, Editor The esophagus is the unsung hero of the chest. In every literary and proverbial setting, the heart gets top billing. For instance, if one…
