Definition
Definition
Esophageal stricture is when the esophagus narrows making it hard to swallow. The esophagus is a muscular tube that carries food and liquids from the mouth to the stomach.
Esophageal StrictureCopyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.
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Causes
Causes
Esophageal stricture is typically caused by scar tissue that develops as a result of the following:
- Ingestion of damaging substances, such as household cleaning agents
- Treatment of esophageal varices—enlarged veins in the esophagus
- Injuries caused by an endoscope—a thin, lighted tube used to see inside the body
- Esophageal cancer
- Tracheoesophageal malformations
Risk Factors
Risk Factors
Factors that may increase your chance of esophageal stricture include:
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
- Prolonged use of a nasogastric tube—a tube that is inserted through the nose to the stomach
- Eosinophilic esophagitis
- Scleroderma
- Barrett’s esophagus
- Certain medications, such as those used to treat osteoporosis, or some antibiotics
Symptoms
Symptoms
Esophageal stricture may cause:
- Difficulty swallowing
- Pain when swallowing
- Unintentional weight loss
- Regurgitation of food—when food flows back from the stomach into the esophagus or mouth
- Large chunks of food to get stuck in the esophagus
Diagnosis
Diagnosis
Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done. Tests may include:
Treatment
Treatment
Talk with your doctor about the best treatment plan for you. Options include:
Esophageal Dilation
Esophageal dilation is a procedure your doctor performs to stretch or widen your esophagus. An endoscope will be passed through your mouth and into the esophagus, stomach, and the first part of the small intestine. A small balloon or tapered plastic dilators will be used to stretch your esophagus. For your comfort, this procedure may be performed while you are sedated. A local anesthetic spray may be applied to the back of your throat. Repeat dilations are often required to adequately stretch the esophagus.
Proton Pump Inhibitors
When esophageal stricture is caused by GERD, proton pump inhibitors or acid-blocking medications are used to prevent the stricture from returning.
Surgery
Surgery may be necessary if the stricture is too tight or wide.
Prevention
Prevention
To help reduce your chance of esophageal stricture:
- Follow your treatment plan if you have been diagnosed with GERD.
- Treat any other high risk cause as directed by your doctor
- Avoid ingesting corrosive substances.
- Keep corrosive substances locked up and away from children.
RESOURCES:
American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy http://www.asge.org
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
Canadian Medical Association Journal http://www.cmaj.ca
References:
http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed/what.php
Updated July 2, 2010. Accessed July 15, 2013.
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at:
http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed
Updated June 25, 2013. Accessed June 16, 2014.
Oesophageal strictures, webs, and rings. Patient UK website. Available at:
http://patient.info/doctor/oesophageal-strictures-webs-and-rings
Updated March 18, 2011. Accessed July 15, 2013.
Understanding esophageal dilation. American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy website. Available at:
http://www.asge.org/patients/patients.aspx?id=392
Accessed July 15, 2013.
Last Updated: 6/18/2014