What is the upper esophagus sphincter?

The upper esophagus sphincter is an area of ​​muscle located at the top of the esophagus. Normally, the firmly closed esophageal consumption is firmly closed. The weld is released during swallowing, and this allows food to pass through the sphincter, to the esophagus and finally into the stomach. The upper esophagus sphincter also prevents air from entering the esophagus of the pharynx. Both witnesses are controlled by muscles that are released, allowing them to open and allow them to go through food. The lower esophageal lighting differs from the upper sphincter in that it is autonomous and cannot be consciously inspected. The upper consumption of the esophagus is triggered to open during the swallowing reflex.

Sometimes the lower and upper witnesses of the esophagus do not work as well as they should. If the lower esophageer is unable to close firmly, the stomach acid can back up to the esophagus, causing a condition known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). This condition can cause burning feelings often described as heartburn, and it can be quite irritating to the esophagus. If acid continues high enough toIt has reached the upper esophagus sphincter, a similar state known as laryngharyngeal reflux (LPR).

LPR is often referred to as "silent reflux" because the symptoms of LPR can easily be attributed to other things and it can be difficult for health care providers to make an accurate diagnosis. Normal symptoms of LPR include persistent hoarseness, post-spheric drip, sore throat, ear infections and swallowing problems. Infants are particularly sensitive to both GERD and LPR, because their esophageal witnesses are immature and often do not fully close. Infants will also spend aspiration of time lying down, and this facilitates the flowing of gastric acid through the esophagus. If LPR and GERD are not treated, they can cause swelling or permanent scarring of the esophagus, scarring of the larynx and even chronic ear infections.