Esophageal Stricture

Esophageal stricture is an abnormal tightening or narrowing of the

esophagus

 that causes swallowing difficulties. The most common cause of an esophageal stricture is long-standing gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), where stomach acid backs up from the stomach into the esophagus and causes esophageal inflammation, which can lead to scarring and narrowing over time.
The stricture may come back in the future. This would require a repeat dilation.
Symptoms

Swallowing difficulties

  • Solids only, Foods and drinks

  • For 2 weeks or more

common

Acid reflux

  • Recurrent

common

Food stuck in throat

or Object stuck in throat

common

Chest discomfort

  • Center of the chest

Poor appetite

Weight loss

Risk factors

Gastroesophageal Reflux

Radiation therapy

Treatment
Dilation (stretching) of the esophagus using a thin cylinder or balloon that is inserted through an endoscope is the main treatment for acid reflux-related strictures. You may need to have this treatment repeated after a period of time to prevent the stricture from narrowing again. Proton pump inhibitors (acid-blocking medicines) can keep a peptic stricture from returning. Surgery is rarely needed.
Recommended specialist

If you have Esophageal Stricture, then a visit to a gastroenterologist is recommended.

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