Presbyesophagus is an age-related change in the esophagus where the muscle contractions become weaker and less coordinated. This slows down the movement of food from the throat to the stomach and may involve extra, non-helpful muscle twitches called tertiary contractions. While not life-threatening, it can make swallowing uncomfortable.
People with presbyesophagus often notice:
Several age-related factors contribute to presbyesophagus:
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Presbyesophagus describes an age-related decline in the strength and coordination of the esophagus muscles, leading to slower or more difficult swallowing.
The ICD-10 code for presbyesophagus is K22.7, which healthcare providers use for diagnosis and billing purposes.
Common symptoms include difficulty swallowing (dysphagia), feeling that food is stuck in the chest, mild chest discomfort, eating slowly, and occasional heartburn or regurgitation.
Presbyesophagus is caused by the natural aging process: weakening esophageal muscles, slower nerve signals, reduced blood flow, and sometimes uncoordinated tertiary contractions.
While presbyesophagus itself is not life-threatening, ignoring symptoms can lead to complications like poor nutrition, weight loss, or choking episodes.
Tertiary contractions are extra, uncoordinated muscle movements in the esophagus that don't help push food downward and may cause discomfort.
Diagnosis typically involves an upper endoscopy, barium swallow X-ray, or esophageal manometry to evaluate muscle function and rule out other conditions.
Treatment may include dietary adjustments (soft foods, thorough chewing), swallowing therapy, medications to relax muscles or reduce acid, and endoscopic dilation to stretch narrowed areas.
Yes. Many patients experience relief with simple lifestyle changes, swallowing exercises, and regular follow-up care to manage symptoms effectively.
You should consult a gastroenterologist if you notice increasing difficulty swallowing, chest pain, unexplained weight loss, or frequent choking during meals.
