Intermittent dysphagia is caused by? 1. Stricture 2. Reflux esophagitis 3. Achalasia cardia 4. Pharyngeal diveiculum 5. Diffuse esophageal spasm
**Core Concept**
Intermittent dysphagia refers to the recurrent episodes of difficulty swallowing food, which can be caused by various esophageal disorders. This symptom can be a result of mechanical obstruction, motility disorders, or other pathologies affecting the esophagus.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
Achalasia cardia is a motility disorder of the esophagus characterized by the failure of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) to relax, leading to intermittent dysphagia. This condition results from the degeneration of the myenteric plexus, which controls the peristalsis of the esophagus. The lack of relaxation of the LES causes food to accumulate in the esophagus, leading to intermittent episodes of dysphagia.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** Stricture is a mechanical obstruction of the esophagus caused by scarring or narrowing of the esophageal lumen. While it can cause persistent dysphagia, it is not typically characterized by intermittent episodes.
**Option B:** Reflux esophagitis is an inflammatory condition of the esophagus caused by the backflow of stomach acid. While it can cause symptoms like heartburn and chest pain, it is not typically associated with intermittent dysphagia.
**Option C:** Pharyngeal diverticulum is an outpouching of the pharyngeal mucosa that can cause intermittent dysphagia, but it is not as common as achalasia cardia.
**Option D:** Diffuse esophageal spasm is a motility disorder characterized by abnormal contractions of the esophagus, leading to chest pain and dysphagia. However, it is not typically associated with intermittent dysphagia.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
Achalasia cardia is often associated with a "bird's beak" appearance on barium swallow studies, which is a characteristic sign of this condition.
**Correct Answer:** C. Achalasia cardia