Introduction
The tear of the esophagus is called a rupture in medical terminology. It is a tear in the esophagus, which creates a passage into the chest. A rupture can occur as a result of various diseases or events.
In Boerhaave syndrome, for example, all the wall layers of the esophagus tear. In many cases, the mucous membrane of the esophagus has already been damaged by various causes, which also promotes injury. The tear represents a life-threatening situation for the patient, because strong bleedings can develop, which can be satisfied by the situation often only badly. In addition, there is a risk that the entire thorax will be contaminated, resulting in an inflammation known as mediastintis. Therefore, a quick treatment of a torn esophagus with intensive medical monitoring is necessary.
Symptoms of esophageal rupture
If the esophagus tears, there is a serious organ damage in the body, which usually leads to very severe pain behind the breastbone. These usually set in very suddenly and are often described as burning or tearing. Often the pain radiates into the back.
Radiation into the abdomen or one of the two arms is also possible. Some people also experience vomiting, usually bloody. These complaints are usually accompanied by a pronounced feeling of anxiety.
In addition, breathing difficulties and a circulatory failure leading to loss of consciousness may occur. The most important thing in such a case is that an emergency doctor is called immediately! The symptoms described above can all also occur in the case of a heart attack, so that the doctor must find out the correct diagnosis and initiate a therapy by taking appropriate action.
However, there is another sign that speaks strongly in favor of a ruptured esophagus as the cause. The tear allows air to enter the body cavities, possibly penetrating under the skin from the inside and causing a crackling sound above the chest. However, this so-called skin emphysema is often not present.
A torn esophagus is accompanied by a number of complaints and symptoms. A sudden onset of very severe pain behind the breastbone (sternum) is particularly typical. The pain often has a tearing and burning character, especially if the mucous membrane of the esophagus was already inflamed.
The pain may radiate to the abdomen, back or arm. Depending on the cause of the tearing of the esophagus, the severe pain behind the breastbone may also be accompanied by vomiting. For many patients, the pain can be unbearable and often causes them anxiety, so that breathing becomes more difficult as it progresses. Then there is the danger that the patient also gets a circulatory failure (shock) and loses consciousness.
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