National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) Practice Exam

Which medical condition arises from inflammation and infection in the esophageal lining?

1. Esophageal peritonitis

2. Gastroesophageal reflux disease

3. Diverticulitis

4. Diverticulosis

The correct answer is: Diverticulitis

The medical condition that arises from inflammation and infection in the esophageal lining is known as esophagitis. Esophagitis can result from various causes, including infections, irritants, or acid exposure. The correct answer aligns with the understanding that inflammation and infection specifically in the esophagus is typically referred to when discussing esophagitis and can be caused by various infectious agents. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is characterized by the backward flow of stomach contents into the esophagus, leading to symptoms like heartburn, but it is not directly associated with inflammation and infection within the esophageal lining itself. Diverticulitis and diverticulosis are conditions related to the formation of pouches in the wall of the colon, not the esophagus. Diverticulitis involves inflammation of these pouches and is more related to the large intestine, whereas diverticulosis refers to the presence of these pouches without inflammation. Thus, neither of these options pertains to infections or inflammation specifically in the esophagus.