Esophageal Strictures:
What are esophageal strictures?
An esophageal stricture is a gradual narrowing of the esophagus, which can lead to swallowing difficulties. Strictures are caused by scar tissue that builds up in the esophagus or from cancer. When the lining of the esophagus becomes damaged, scarring can occur, which causes the lining of the esophagus to become stiff. Over time, the scar tissue can build up and cause a narrowing of the esophagus, which will lead to breathing difficulties.
Causes of esophageal strictures:
The primary cause of esophageal strictures is GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease). Excessive stomach acid that is refluxed upwards from the stomach into the esophagus can result in an inflammation of the esophagus. Scarring occurs due to the continual injury to the esophagus. Other causes of esophageal strictures include:
- Prolonged use of a nasogastric tube
- Injuries caused by endoscopes
- Viral or bacterial infections
- Ingestion of corrosive substances
Symptoms of esophageal strictures:
Common symptoms of esophageal strictures include:
- Dysphagia (difficulty swallowing)
- Discomfort with swallowing
- A feeling that food gets stuck in the esophagus when swallowing
- Weight loss
- Regurgitation of food
How are esophageal strictures diagnosed?
There are two primary methods for diagnosing esophageal strictures, these include:
- Barium swallow: The patient will swallow barium and x-rays will be taken by a physician in order to view the esophagus. Barium will show up as opaque on the x-rays and will allow the physician to identify any narrowing of the esophagus.
- An Endoscopy exam: A narrow tube called an endoscope is inserted into the esophagus allows the physician to identify any narrowing of the esophagus.
Treatment options:
The most common forms of treatment for esophageal strictures include:
- Dilation: In this procedure, the esophagus is actually stretched by passing a dilator, or air-filled balloon, through an endoscope. This allows the esophagus to have a wider opening. Repeated dilation may be necessary in order to prevent the stricture from returning.
- Proton pump inhibitors: These proton pump inhibitors, such as omeprazole, lansoprazole or rabeprazole, may keep strictures from returing after dilation has been performed.
- Surgery: Surgical treatment is rarely necessary, but is sometimes performed when a stricture cannot be dilated enough to allow food and liquid to pass through the esophagus. Surgery is also performed is repeated dilations do not keep strictures from returning.
Related information:
- What is the esophagus?
- What is Barrett’s esophagus?
- What is GERD?
- EndoNurse.Com
- More patient resources
| University of Missouri Health Care | This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. |
