What causes a tortuous esophagus?

A tortuous esophagus is a condition in which the esophagus, the tube that carries food from the mouth to the stomach, becomes twisted and elongated. This can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

* Congenital defects: Some people are born with a tortuous esophagus.

* Aging: The esophagus can become tortuous as a person ages, due to the loss of muscle tone and elasticity.

* Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD): GERD is a condition in which stomach acid flows back into the esophagus. This can irritate and inflame the esophagus, leading to scarring and thickening of the tissue. This thickening can cause the esophagus to become tortuous.

* Hiatal hernia: A hiatal hernia occurs when the stomach protrudes through an opening in the diaphragm, the muscle that separates the chest cavity from the abdominal cavity. This can put pressure on the esophagus and cause it to become tortuous.

* Other conditions: A tortuous esophagus can also be caused by other conditions, such as scleroderma, a connective tissue disorder, and amyloidosis, a rare disease in which abnormal proteins are deposited in organs and tissues.

A tortuous esophagus can cause a variety of symptoms, including:

* Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)

* Pain in the chest or abdomen

* Regurgitation of food or liquids

* Heartburn

* Nausea and vomiting

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to see your doctor to get a diagnosis and treatment.