Esophagus obstruction

Obstruction of the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, and colon has occurred when bulk-forming laxatives are administered without adequate fluid intake or in patients with intestinal stenosis. 

CV RRR, normal S, S2 no murmurs, rubs, or gallops Abdomen Soft, non-tender, non-distended (+) bowel sounds, (-) hepatosplenomegaly, heme (-) stool Endoscopy Diffuse erythema and several isolated erosions in the distal esophagus no evidence of ulceration, obstruction, or stricture... 

Gastroesophageal reflux during enteral nutrition is caused by a number of factors, including the presence of the nasogastric tube, the supine position, leakage from the tube at the teeth, and the administration of sucralfate. While the cause in this case was not entirely clear, it does show that mechanical obstruction of the esophagus due to reflux can occur without any obvious symptoms. 

In adult horses, thyroid gland enlargement is usually caused by adenoma of the thyroid gland. These tumors are benign and do not, in the vast majority of instances, alter thyroid function. These masses should be removed surgically if they obstruct the trachea or esophagus or if hypothyroidism can be documented. 

Acepromazine maleate is advocated for use in the treatment of esophageal obstruction but, aside from its sedative effects, there is no direct evidence that it promotes esophageal relaxation. In one report using barium contrast radiography, acepromazine appeared to cause mild segmental dilatations in the thoracic esophagus (King et al 1990). The duration of effect of acepromazine is 2 to 3h and it may be useful in the treatment of obstructions that do not resolve quickly. The dose rate is 0.02-0.04 mg/kg i.v. or i.m. 

Radiographic evaluation of the GI tract often starts with plain films of the abdomen, which are straightforward, uncontrasted radiographs. Specific abdominal structures that may be identified include the kidney, ureters, and bladder (KUB) esophagus stomach intestine stones and vessels. Plain films are often used to evaluate abdominal pain. Clinicians frequently employ plain radiographic fluoroscopy to guide and position other instruments that are used to evaluate and treat GI disorders an example is the manipulation of dilation devices to treat esophageal strictures. Bowel obstruction and perforation are especially well identified by this technique. 

Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) is used to examine the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum. Patient preparation for EGD includes fasting for 6 to 8 hours prior to the procedure and the administration of sedatives and topical anesthetics. Common indications may be either diagnostic or therapeutic in nature, and include evaluating suspected upper GI bleeding, obstructions, upper abdominal pain. 

Each year more than 440,000 deaths, or 20% of the total deaths in the United States, are caused by smoking. Cigarette smoking substantially increases the risk of (1) cardiovascular diseases such as stroke, sudden death, and heart attack, (2) nonmalignant respiratory diseases including emphysema, asthma, chronic bronchitis, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, (3) lung cancer, and (4) other cancers (e.g., mouth, pharynx, larynx, esophagus, stomach, pancreas, uterus, cervix, kidney, ureter, and bladder). 

Y. Ito, A. Kameya, T. Kano, S. Kobayashi, T. Kasugai, S. Hotta (1988). Indications and limitations of laser treatment for early gastric cancer and palliative treatments for malignant obstruction of the esophagus and stomach. Gan to Kagaku Ryoho [Jpn. J. Cancer Chemother.], 15(4 Pt 2-3), 1435-1439. 

Obstruction of ainways, dyspnea, stridor Radioiogicai evidence of tracheai stenosis or tracheomaiacia impression of esophagus, sip disturbance Presence of a thyroid noduie... 

Bulk laxatives can swell and cause obstruction of the esophagus therefore, the most important question to ask the client is if he or she has difficulty swallowing. If the client has difficulty swallowing, the nurse should question the client taking Metamucil. 

Vascular rings are uncommon. They are formed by vascular and ligamentous structures that encircle the airway and esophagus, causing extrinsic compression and obstruction of these hollow structures. Rings form as a result of developmental failure of parts of the paired aortic arches (Bonnard... 

---