Читать книгу The Esophagus - Группа авторов - Страница 31

Esophageal disease is a significant source of patient symptoms worldwide, and symptoms result from a complex neurophysiologic response to the activation of a variety of nociceptors. Patient clinical features can also vary, as some present with more typical symptoms such as heartburn or regurgitation, whereas other patients may present with symptoms that overlap with adjacent organs. In each patient, obtaining a thorough clinical history and physical exam is therefore critical, and further evaluation requires the appropriate use of radiographic, endoscopic, and manometric studies to aid in patient diagnosis and management.

Over the last several decades, esophageal symptoms have accounted for significant healthcare utilization in the form of clinic visits, endoscopic procedures, medication usage, and surgical intervention. This has placed a considerable financial burden on health systems worldwide. Providers need to be cognizant not only of this but also of the significantly negative impact that esophageal disease has on patient QoL and workplace productivity.