DISEASES OF THE ALIMENTARY SYSTEM. 207 



Section II. 

 DISEASES OF THE OESOPHAGUS. 



INTLAMMATION OF THE (ESOPHAGUS.— Inflamma- 

 tion of the oesophagus is generally the result of direct injury. 

 It may be induced by the passage of very large or hard por- 

 tions of food, or by the administration of irritant liquids. 

 It may be caused by external violence, and not unfrequently 

 occurs as part of general catarrh of other mucous membranes. 



Symptoms. — Difficulty of swallowing ; tenderness on 

 manipulation, and sometimes spasm of the oesophagus, are 

 the usual symptoms manifested. In severe cases there may 

 be febrile disturbance. When the inflammation occurs as the 

 result of the administration of irritant liquids, as, for example, 

 stimulating liniments given inadvertently, too hot water, or 

 some poisons, as arsenic in solution, the submucous tissue may 

 be much infiltrated. Perforation of the coats has been noticed 

 in cases where the inflammation has been very severe. 



Treatment. — Many cases do not require treatment beyond 

 the use of liquid food for a day or two. 



In severe cases linseed gruel, to which a little tincture of 

 opium is added, is of benefit where there is much pain. Hot- 

 water fomentations, followed by the application of stimu- 

 lating liniments, are useful externally. Stricture of the 

 oesophagus often follows severe inflammation. 



STRICTURE OF THE (ESOPHAGUS.— Stricture of the 

 oesophagus may be left as the result of previous inflamma- 

 tion, or it may depend on tumours in connection with the 

 walls or in the neighbouring structures. 



Symptoms. — Gradual progressive difficulty in swallowing. 

 The food often accumulates above the constriction, and the oeso- 

 phagus above may become dilated and hypertrophied in con- 

 sequence. Ejection of the accumulated liquid often follows. 



