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An esophageal stricture is area of the esophagus that becomes too narrow.
It may cause food to get stuck.
Swallowing can be difficult and painful.
Causes include: chronic acid reflux, scar tissue, injuries, autoimmune diseases, tumors, swallowing caustic substances.
Describes a narrowing or tightening of the esophagus.
Benign esophageal stricture typically occurs when stomach acid and other irritants damage the lining of the esophagus over time, leading to inflammation and scar tissue, which causes the esophagus to narrow.
Narrowing of the esophagus may make it difficult to swallow, increasing the risk of choking.
About 10% of people with GERD develop an esophageal stricture, but chronic acid GERD causes 70% to 80% of esophageal strictures.
Esophageal strictures are less common with the use of proton pump inhibitors.
All causes of heartburn could worsen esophageal strictures, including smoking, large meals, stress, alcohol, spicy foods, and some medications.
Symptoms include: chest pain when swallowing food or drink, and pills.
More severe strictures may responsible for regurgitation, nutrition problems, and weight loss.
Risk Factors:
Male gender
Increasing age
chronic acid reflux or GERD,
hiatal hernia,
Barrett’s esophagus,
alcoholism.
Malignancy
Auto-immune diseases
Swallowing caustic substances
Untreated strictures usually worsen.
Treatment may require need dilation of the esophagus.
Medicines for acid reflux, such as proton pump inhibitors.
Muscle relaxants.
Surgery, in rare cases.
One reply on “Esophageal stricture”
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