2514

Apuntes

2514 PART 10 Disorders of the Gastrointestinal System the need for diagnostic testing in most patients. When endoscopy is performed, localized ulceration or inflammation is evident. Histologi- cally, acute inflammation is typical. Chest CT imaging will sometimes reveal esophageal thickening consistent with transmural inflammation. Although the condition usually resolves within days to weeks, symp- toms may persist for months and stricture can develop in severe cases. No specific therapy is known to hasten the healing process, but antise- cretory medications are frequently prescribed to remove concomitant reflux as an aggravating factor. When healing results in stricture forma- tion, dilation is indicated. ■ FOREIGN BODIES AND FOOD IMPACTION Food or foreign bodies may lodge in the esophagus, causing complete obstruction, which in turn can cause an inability to handle secretions (foaming at the mouth) and severe chest pain. Food impaction may occur due to peptic stricture, carcinoma, Schatzki ring, EoE, achala- sia, or simply inattentive eating. If it does not resolve spontaneously, impacted food should be removed endoscopically. Use of meat ten- derizer enzymes to facilitate passag...