Differential Diagnosis for Esophagus Symptoms
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) - This is the most common cause of esophagus symptoms, characterized by heartburn, regurgitation, and dysphagia due to the reflux of stomach acid into the esophagus.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Esophagitis - Inflammation of the esophagus, often caused by GERD, infections, or medications, leading to symptoms like dysphagia, odynophagia, and chest pain.
- Esophageal stricture - Narrowing of the esophagus, usually due to chronic GERD or esophagitis, causing dysphagia and food impaction.
- Eosinophilic esophagitis - A chronic inflammatory condition characterized by eosinophilic infiltration of the esophagus, often presenting with dysphagia, food impaction, and heartburn.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Esophageal cancer - Although less common, esophageal cancer can present with progressive dysphagia, weight loss, and regurgitation, making it crucial to rule out in patients with persistent or severe symptoms.
- Esophageal perforation - A life-threatening condition that requires immediate attention, characterized by severe chest pain, dyspnea, and potentially sepsis, often resulting from iatrogenic injury or foreign body ingestion.
- Achalasia - A motility disorder of the esophagus that can cause dysphagia, regurgitation, and weight loss, which, if left untreated, can lead to significant morbidity and potential for esophageal cancer.
Rare Diagnoses
- Esophageal diverticula - Outpouchings of the esophageal wall that can cause dysphagia, regurgitation, and occasionally, severe complications like diverticulitis or perforation.
- Esophageal webs - Thin, membranous structures that can partially obstruct the esophagus, leading to dysphagia, often associated with iron deficiency anemia.
- Scleroderma esophagus - Involvement of the esophagus in systemic scleroderma, characterized by dysphagia, reflux, and potentially severe esophageal dysfunction due to fibrosis and smooth muscle atrophy.