Disorders of the Throat and Esophagus

Presented by John Pandolfino, MD

Heartburn and Reflux Dr. John Pandolfino
Dr. John Pandolfino
Presentation Overview

Esophageal symptoms may consist of heartburn, regurgitation, dysphagia (the sensation that food is not traveling through the esophagus), chest pain, or even food impaction. The differential diagnosis for these common esophageal symptoms is vast and could be Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE), Obstruction, Motility Disorder, or Functional Esophageal Disorder.

Regardless of how a patient’s esophageal symptoms may present, all symptoms lead to an endoscopy (a nonsurgical procedure that uses a flexible tube with a light and camera to examine a person’s digestive tract). In this presentation, Dr. John Pandolfino discusses the providers’ approach to diagnose and treat a patient living with a disorder of the throat and esophagus. 

About Dr. Pandolfino

Dr. Pandolfino is the Hans Popper Professor of Medicine and Chief of Gastroenterology and Hepatology at the Feinberg School of Medicine at Northwestern University.  His career has focused primarily on studying the biomechanics of bolus transport and gastrointestinal motility as it pertains to gastroesophageal reflux and swallowing disorders.  He currently is funded by the NIH to study GERD and Dysphagia pathogenesis and also receives funding from industry focused on the development of new technologies to investigate and treat gastrointestinal disorders.  He also maintains a strong clinical practice and in the Esophageal Center at Northwestern which serves as one of the nation’s top referral centers for complicated esophageal diseases.  He is active in multiple professional organizations and has a strong commitment to the editorial process as a member of the editorial board of multiple high-level Gastroenterology and Hepatology journals.

Share this page
Topics of this article
Was this article helpful?

IFFGD is a nonprofit education and research organization. Our mission is to inform, assist, and support people affected by gastrointestinal disorders.

Our original content is authored specifically for IFFGD readers, in response to your questions and concerns.

If you found this article helpful, please consider supporting IFFGD with a small tax-deductible donation.

Related Information
IFFGD Research Awards & Grants

Research Awards & Research Grants The International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders (IFFGD) is dedicated to advancing research and fostering innovation in the field of gastrointestinal

Read More »
Support & Fundraising

IFFGD is committed to improving the lives of those affected by digestive diseases. Your support helps us continue vital research, advocate for better healthcare policies,

Read More »
Events & Activities

Our events and activities unite patients, advocates, and healthcare professionals to raise awareness, share knowledge, and promote better digestive health. Whether you’re joining us for

Read More »
Personal Stories
IFFGD Research Awards & Grants

Research Awards & Research Grants The International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders (IFFGD) is dedicated to advancing research and fostering innovation in the field of gastrointestinal

Read More »
Support & Fundraising

IFFGD is committed to improving the lives of those affected by digestive diseases. Your support helps us continue vital research, advocate for better healthcare policies,

Read More »
Events & Activities

Our events and activities unite patients, advocates, and healthcare professionals to raise awareness, share knowledge, and promote better digestive health. Whether you’re joining us for

Read More »
Skip to content