Question

A patient is 32 years old and complains of chest pain, a burning sensation in the chest, increased salivation, and difficulty swallowing. he has difficulty breathing and feels as if there is a "lump in his throat". what conditions does he have? describe this condition in the context of the lecture and textbook.

Answer 1

With the salient features of this patient comprising of heartburn, difficulty swallowing, and globus sensation (feeling of lump in throat); everything points out to the impression of gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD. GERD is the backflow of highly acidic stomach acid to the esophagus. The epithelium of the esophagus is not adapted to these highly acidic environments therefore causing damage to the epithelium which is responsible for the symptoms. 

Chronic GERD is a risk factor for columnar metaplasia of the esophageal epithelium or Barrett's esophagus; and developing Barrett's esophagus is a risk factor for developing esophageal adenocarcinoma.