J Korean Dysphagia Soc.  2011 Jul;1(2):67-71.

Functional Esophageal Disorders

• Kim JH

Abstract

Functional esophageal disorders represent processes accompanied by typical esophageal symptoms (heartburn, chest pain, dysphagia, globus) that have no readily identified structural disorders, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), histopathology-based esophageal motor disturbances. GERD is the preferred diagnosis when reflux esophagitis or pathologic acid exposure is present or when typical symptoms are closely related to acid reflux or respond to proton pump inhibitor (PPI) test. A well-defined pathogenetic mechanism is unavailable for any of these disorders; combinations of sensory and motor abnormalities involving both central and peripheral are. Treatments remain empirical and management approaches that modulate central symptom perception or amplification often are required.

Keyword

Heartburn; Chest pain; Dysphagia; Globus