<unk> , also spelled<unk> , is a disease characterized by inflammation of the esophagus. The esophagus is a tube composed of a mucosal lining, and longitudinal and circular smooth muscle fibers. It connects the pharynx to the stomach; swallowed food and liquids normally pass through it.<unk>  can be asymptomatic; or can cause epigastric and/or substernal burning pain, especially when lying down or straining; and can make swallowing difficult (dysphagia). The most common cause of<unk>  is the reverse flow of acid from the stomach into the lower esophagus: gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). __TOC__
Esophagitis
Esophageal spasm
Laryngitis
Tonsillitis
Pharyngitis
Epiglottitis
Adenoiditis
Croup