Question

What does loss of oesophageal spinchter tone mean (referring to indigestion)?

Answer 1

The lower oesophageal sphincter allows the passage of a swallowed bolus to the stomach. It prevents the reflux of gastric juices into the oesophagus. This is called as oesophageal sphincter tone. Achalasia is a disorder in which there is loss of oesophageal sphincter tone. Due to this, esophageal sphincter does not open or relax appropriately during swallowing. Weak sphincter muscle, hiatal hernia are some causes of it. It results in GERD (Gastroesophageal reflux disease) or heartburn.