An esophageal device is used to recognize, diagnose, characterize, or relievean impact of an abnormal or defectiveUES anatomy, physiology, or functionality. In one implementation, theesophageal device measures a UES response to esophagealfluid infusion to detect or characterize an abnormality or defective UESanatomy, physiology, or functionality. An UpperEsophageal Sphincter compression device is used to increase intra-luminalpressure within the Upper Esophageal Sphincter of apatient in order relieve an impact of an abnormal or defective UES anatomy,physiology, or functionality.