Definition and research guide
This page combines a MeSH definition, publication statistics and selected research abstracts. It is a starting point for reading the literature, not a medical textbook or a systematic evidence review.
Content available: 4 complete abstracts (854 words), 10 references. Full article text is not stored or reproduced here; follow the PMID, DOI or PMC links to read the original sources and their access terms.
Definition
Disorders affecting the motor function of the upper esophageal sphincter; lower esophageal sphincter; the esophagus body, or a combination of these parts. The failure of the sphincters to maintain a tonic pressure may result in gastric reflux of food and acid into the esophagus (gastroesophageal reflux). Other disorders include hypermotility (spastic disorders) and markedly increased amplitude in contraction (nutcracker esophagus).
Definition: NLM Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) scope note (Public domain (U.S. National Library of Medicine); attribution requested). View the MeSH record.
Also known as: Disorder, Esophageal Motility; Disorders, Esophageal Motility; Esophageal Motility Disorder; Motility Disorder, Esophageal; Motility Disorders, Esophageal; Esophageal Dysmotility; Dysmotilities, Esophageal; Dysmotility, Esophageal.
Where it fits in the MeSH classification
- Broader topics
- Deglutition Disorders
- Narrower topics
- CREST Syndrome; Esophageal Achalasia; Esophageal Spasm, Diffuse; Gastroesophageal Reflux; Plummer-Vinson Syndrome
Related concepts
- Upper Esophageal Sphincter
- Lower Esophageal Sphincter
- Esophagus
- Gastroesophageal Reflux
Research landscape
PubMed indexes 41,407 records tagged with the MeSH heading “Esophageal Motility Disorders” (counts retrieved 2026-11-04). 6,822 of them (16.5%) were published from 2020 onward, and the busiest period so far is through 1999 with 13,220 records.
Reviews account for 7,690 records (18.6%) and meta-analyses for 592. Randomized controlled trials number 1,656 (4.0%) as a share of all records on the topic.
Show the data
| Period | Records |
|---|---|
| through 1999 | 13,220 |
| 2000-2009 | 10,737 |
| 2010-2019 | 10,628 |
| 2020 onward | 6,822 |
Publication-type chart data
| Type | Records | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Reviews | 7,690 | 18.6% |
| Meta-analyses | 592 | 1.4% |
| Randomized controlled trials | 1,656 | 4.0% |
Method: PubMed query "Esophageal Motility Disorders"[MeSH Terms] with publication-type and date filters, retrieved 2026-11-04.
Reading the evidence in digestive system and liver
Gut and liver research ranges from laboratory studies of the microbiome to large trials of drugs and surgery. Symptoms such as pain, reflux or bowel change are reported by patients and overlap between conditions, and diet and microbiome studies are mostly observational. Check whether the study measured symptoms, tissue findings or long-term outcomes, how the diagnosis was made and how long people were followed. Nothing here replaces advice from a qualified clinician.
Evidence from open-access studies
These open-access studies come from PubMed’s best-match results for this heading (papers whose main topic it is), ranked here by citation count, with one recent addition. Each abstract is reproduced in full under its recorded open licence so that you can read the authors’ own words. They illustrate the literature; they are not a systematic summary of it. Citation counts measure attention, not reliability or clinical benefit.
Multidimensional mechanisms and therapies underlying gastroesophageal reflux disease: focus on immunity, signaling pathways, and the microbiota-gut-brain axis [1]
Abstract reading summary — source excerpts
- Opening excerpt
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) has a high incidence rate and a complex pathogenesis that is not yet fully understood.
- Closing excerpt
- These findings underscore the need for mechanism-driven research to facilitate the development of personalized treatment strategies and address unresolved challenges in GERD management.
- Interpretation limits
- Verbatim excerpts from the authors’ abstract; the closing excerpt may describe a finding, limitation or recommendation. Design, population, effect size and uncertainty have not been independently extracted or appraised. Read the complete abstract and linked paper before interpreting the findings.
Read complete abstract (182 words)
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) has a high incidence rate and a complex pathogenesis that is not yet fully understood. This review aims to provide a comprehensive exploration of the mechanisms underlying GERD, emphasizing the interplay between immune responses, signaling pathways, and the microbiota-gut-brain axis. Specifically, it highlights the contributions of immune cells (e.g., T-lymphocytes, dendritic cells, mast cells), pro-inflammatory cytokines, and key signaling pathways, including nuclear factor (NF)-κB, mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), and phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt), in driving esophageal inflammation and barrier dysfunction. Furthermore, the review examines the bidirectional interactions between psychological stress, gut microbiota dysbiosis, and GERD pathophysiology via the gut-brain axis. In bridging these mechanisms to potential therapeutic strategies, this review evaluates both established pharmacological treatments, such as proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and immunotherapy, and emerging approaches, including herbal formulations and neuromodulation techniques. By synthesizing current evidence, the review identifies critical knowledge gaps, particularly in understanding the cross-talk between immune pathways and therapeutic targets. These findings underscore the need for mechanism-driven research to facilitate the development of personalized treatment strategies and address unresolved challenges in GERD management.
Abstract reproduced from the open-access article under the recorded cc by licence; © the authors. PMID 40755761 · DOI · PMC12313489
Food passageway-related sequelae in the RefluxStop prospective multicenter trial: patient-centric outcomes of dysphagia, odynophagia, gas-bloating, and inability to belch and/or vomit at 5 years [2]
Abstract reading summary — source excerpts
- Opening excerpt
- IntroductionStandard surgical management of GERD may result in troublesome postoperative food passageway-related sequelae (i.
- Closing excerpt
- These outcomes add resolution to the overall treatment effect of RefluxStop and may show potential preference in GERD patients who prioritize minimization of postoperative sequelae.
- Interpretation limits
- Verbatim excerpts from the authors’ abstract; the closing excerpt may describe a finding, limitation or recommendation. Design, population, effect size and uncertainty have not been independently extracted or appraised. Read the complete abstract and linked paper before interpreting the findings.
Read complete abstract (293 words)
IntroductionStandard surgical management of GERD may result in troublesome postoperative food passageway-related sequelae (i.e., dysphagia, odynophagia, gas-bloat syndrome, inability to belch/vomit), significantly impacting quality of life. Five-year results after the RefluxStop procedure are presented, involving reconstruction of the anti-reflux barrier without encircling the food passageway, reducing such related sequelae.MethodsRefluxStop surgery was evaluated in a prospective, single-arm, multicenter study with 50 GERD subjects. This report focuses on food passageway-related outcomes. Other basic outcomes (e.g., 24-h pH, PPI usage) are presented in a separate report with brief clinical correlation herein.ResultsForty-four subjects completed 5-year follow-up; three participants were missing due to COVID-19 (i.e., two deaths and one bedbound with long-COVID) and three terminated early. Data from 3- and 4-year follow-up were carried forward in COVID-affected cases. Food passageway-related adverse events (AEs) between 2 weeks of surgical recovery and 5-year follow-up included: one case (2.1%) of dysphagia (and another case, mild dysphagia for 2 weeks postoperatively, viewed as normal recovery); one case (2.1%) of odynophagia; zero (0%) cases of inability to belch/vomit; and gas-bloating none/improved in 42 cases with only two worsening. These outcomes were well-aligned with improvement in total GERD-HRQL score (i.e., median 29.5 at baseline to 3.0 at 5 years), PPI usage (2.1%), and 24-h pH monitoring (i.e., mean 1.57% acid exposure time at 5 years).ConclusionRefluxStop surgery resulted in a favorable profile of food passageway-related outcomes throughout the 5-year study: no AE dysphagia in 97.9% of subjects; no AE odynophagia in 97.9%; whereof at 5 years: gas-bloating none/improved in 95.7%, and no inability to belch/vomit in 100%. For clinical correlation, 97.9% of subjects did not take PPIs at 5 years. These outcomes add resolution to the overall treatment effect of RefluxStop and may show potential preference in GERD patients who prioritize minimization of postoperative sequelae.
Abstract reproduced from the open-access article under the recorded cc by licence; © the authors. PMID 40542141 · DOI · PMC12222248
Increased reflux secondary bile acids are associated with changes to the microbiome and transcriptome in Barrett's esophagus [3]
Abstract reading summary — source excerpts
- Opening excerpt
- Bile acids are a major component of gastro-esophageal refluxate, thought to contribute to the development of Barrett's esophagus (BE) and esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC).
- Closing excerpt
- These findings suggest bile acids shape the BE microbiome and associate with gene expression changes potentially relevant to EAC development.
- Interpretation limits
- Verbatim excerpts from the authors’ abstract; the closing excerpt may describe a finding, limitation or recommendation. Design, population, effect size and uncertainty have not been independently extracted or appraised. Read the complete abstract and linked paper before interpreting the findings.
Read complete abstract (197 words)
Bile acids are a major component of gastro-esophageal refluxate, thought to contribute to the development of Barrett's esophagus (BE) and esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC). As the microbiome shifts with EAC progression and bile acids influence bacterial composition, we examined these connections in a multi-center, cross-sectional study. We analyzed biospecimens from patients undergoing endoscopy using LC-MS to quantify bile acids in gastric aspirates, 16S rRNA sequencing for tissue microbiome profiling, and RNA sequencing on BE or cardia tissue. Among 153 patients (52 controls, 101 BE: 50 no dysplasia, 10 indefinite, 17 low-grade dysplasia, 17 high-grade dysplasia, and 7 EAC), we observed increased Streptococcus in BE tissue; dysplasia and EAC were associated with more Lactobacillus and decreased Actinomyces and other genera. Refluxate bile acids were mainly conjugated, indicating minimal bacterial metabolism, while BE patients had elevated secondary bile acid levels. Streptococcus correlated with upregulation of IL6, FGF2, and HGF, and decreased Actinomyces showed the most associations with gene expression, including the oxidative phosphorylation pathway. We identified two distinct BE gene expression clusters independent of histology, bile acid, or microbiome composition. These findings suggest bile acids shape the BE microbiome and associate with gene expression changes potentially relevant to EAC development.
Abstract reproduced from the open-access article under the recorded cc by licence; © the authors. PMID 40844321 · DOI · PMC12377100
Machine learning for screening laryngopharyngeal reflux symptoms in college students: a cross-sectional study [4]
Abstract reading summary — source excerpts
- Opening excerpt
- BckgroundLaryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) is a widespread global health issue.
- Closing excerpt
- The GA-Stacking model effectively identifies high-risk individuals for early intervention, highlighting the role of lifestyle changes and informing targeted health strategies.
- Interpretation limits
- Verbatim excerpts from the authors’ abstract; the closing excerpt may describe a finding, limitation or recommendation. Design, population, effect size and uncertainty have not been independently extracted or appraised. Read the complete abstract and linked paper before interpreting the findings.
Read complete abstract (182 words)
BckgroundLaryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) is a widespread global health issue. Its recurring symptoms and impact on quality of life create significant economic burdens for individuals and society. To examine the links between lifestyle, diet, and LPR symptoms (LPRS) in college students, and to build an LPRS screening model using a Genetic Algorithm (GA)-Stacking method.Patients and methodsA cross-sectional study of 502 undergraduates from 21 universities in Jilin Province, China, using an electronic questionnaire. LPRS were assessed via the Reflux Symptom Index (RSI). Associations were analyzed with multiple methods, and a GA-Stacking screening model was developed.ResultsLPRS prevalence was 50.20% (252/502). Significant risk factors included frequent fried food consumption (OR: 1.89; 95% CI, 1.35-2.64), late-evening meals (OR: 2.15; 95% CI, 1.54-3.01), and low physical activity (OR: 1.72; 95% CI, 1.23-2.41). The GA-Stacking model performed well, with a recall of 0.909, accuracy of 0.927, and AUC of 0.96 (95% CI, 0.94-0.98).ConclusionsModifiable factors like fried food intake and meal timing are strongly linked to LPRS in students. The GA-Stacking model effectively identifies high-risk individuals for early intervention, highlighting the role of lifestyle changes and informing targeted health strategies.
Abstract reproduced from the open-access article under the recorded cc by licence; © the authors. PMID 41486904 · DOI · PMC12777997
Key reviews and meta-analyses
The most cited review-type papers among PubMed’s best-match results for this heading, listed with bibliographic details only. Follow the links for the full text and access terms.
- Research article Meta-analysis: obesity and the risk for gastroesophageal reflux disease and its complications [5]
- Research article Global prevalence of, and risk factors for, gastro-oesophageal reflux symptoms: a meta-analysis [6]
- Research article Endoscopic and surgical treatments for achalasia: a systematic review and meta-analysis [7]
- Research article Body mass index and gastroesophageal reflux disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis [8]
- Research article Global Prevalence and Risk Factors of Gastro-oesophageal Reflux Disease (GORD): Systematic Review with Meta-analysis [9]
- Research article Relative potency of proton-pump inhibitors-comparison of effects on intragastric pH [10]
References
- Zheng J, Tao L. Multidimensional mechanisms and therapies underlying gastroesophageal reflux disease: focus on immunity, signaling pathways, and the microbiota-gut-brain axis. . 2025. PMID 40755761 · DOI · PMC12313489
- Harsányi L, Kincses Z, Veselinović M, Zehetner J, Altorjay Á. Food passageway-related sequelae in the RefluxStop prospective multicenter trial: patient-centric outcomes of dysphagia, odynophagia, gas-bloating, and inability to belch and/or vomit at 5 years. . 2025. PMID 40542141 · DOI · PMC12222248
- Tanes C, Li Y, Falk GW, Ginsberg GG, Wang KK, Iyer PG, et al.. Increased reflux secondary bile acids are associated with changes to the microbiome and transcriptome in Barrett's esophagus. . 2025. PMID 40844321 · DOI · PMC12377100
- Li S, Wang G, Guo H, Cheng J, Yu D. Machine learning for screening laryngopharyngeal reflux symptoms in college students: a cross-sectional study. . 2026. PMID 41486904 · DOI · PMC12777997
- Hampel H, Abraham NS, El-Serag HB. Meta-analysis: obesity and the risk for gastroesophageal reflux disease and its complications. Ann Intern Med. 2005. PMID 16061918 · DOI
- Eusebi LH, Ratnakumaran R, Yuan Y, Solaymani-Dodaran M, Bazzoli F, Ford AC. Global prevalence of, and risk factors for, gastro-oesophageal reflux symptoms: a meta-analysis. Gut. 2018. PMID 28232473 · DOI
- Campos GM, Vittinghoff E, Rabl C, Takata M, Gadenstätter M, Lin F, et al.. Endoscopic and surgical treatments for achalasia: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Ann Surg. 2009. PMID 19106675 · DOI
- Corley DA, Kubo A. Body mass index and gastroesophageal reflux disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Am J Gastroenterol. 2006. PMID 16952280 · DOI
- Nirwan JS, Hasan SS, Babar ZU, Conway BR, Ghori MU. Global Prevalence and Risk Factors of Gastro-oesophageal Reflux Disease (GORD): Systematic Review with Meta-analysis. Sci Rep. 2020. PMID 32242117 · DOI · PMC7118109
- Kirchheiner J, Glatt S, Fuhr U, Klotz U, Meineke I, Seufferlein T, et al.. Relative potency of proton-pump inhibitors-comparison of effects on intragastric pH. Eur J Clin Pharmacol. 2009. PMID 18925391 · DOI
About this article
- Sources
- NLM Medical Subject Headings (definition, synonyms); NCBI PubMed (counts, identifiers); Europe PMC (open-access abstracts and citation counts).
- Verification
- Every reference was resolved against PubMed on 2026-11-04; title, year and DOI matched.
- Review state
- automated source verified; no human expert review has been recorded yet.
- Version
- 1, last updated 2026-11-04.
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Evidence strength
EvidenceHelix's computed view of the study designs behind this topic: how common meta-analyses, randomized trials and reviews are, how recent the literature is, and a plain-language reading. It describes the design mix of the literature. It is not a quality appraisal of any study, and it is not medical advice.