Overview of esophageal injuries

[Kai]

The esophagus (the hollow tube that leads from the throat to the stomach) is rather difficult to injure but it can be injured gradually by backflow of acid from the stomach (gastroesophageal reflux or GERD). The esophagus may also be injured suddenly by swallowing caustic or acidic chemicals, irritating drugs, or sharp objects, or by extreme pressure. Extreme pressure can occur during violent vomiting, and violent vomiting can cause tears in the esophagus. A very serious injury is rupture of the esophagus. This injury is rare and can be caused by surgical procedures or by vomiting or swallowing a large mass of food.