Title: Esophageal Scleroderma Overview
Headings: Scleroderma of the Esophagus
Scleroderma of the Esophagus
Symptoms of Esophageal Scleroderma
Esophageal Scleroma Diagnosis
Treatment of Scleroderma of the Esophagus

Content: Esophageal Scleroderma Overview




Scleroderma of the Esophagus
Systemic scleroderma is an autoimmune disorder, where the body mistakenly attacks itself, characterized by thickening of the skin and formation of scar tissues on the internal organs. One of the symptoms of systemic scleroderma is abnormal functioning of the smooth muscle of the esophagus, in a condition called esophageal scleroderma or scleroderma of the esophagus. Symptoms of Esophageal Scleroderma
The symptoms of scleroderma of the esophagus are: Heartburn or acid reflux
Difficulty swallowing
Feeling of food stuck in the throat
Chest pain
Weight loss and malnutrition
Acid reflux is a particularly common symptom of esophageal scleroderma. Over time, the smooth muscle of the lower esophagus loses its ability to contract and stomach acid seeps into the esophagus. Esophageal Scleroma Diagnosis
Your doctor would perform the following tests: Endoscopy
Signs: abnormality in the tone and function of the smooth muscle in the lower esophagus and damage in its lining due to acid reflux. Manometry
Signs: weakened contractions in the lower sphincter of the esophagus.