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Understanding Esophageal Stenosis: Symptoms and Treatment.
Written by Medicover Team and Medically Reviewed by Dr Akshay Kulkarni , Gastroenterologists Medical
Esophageal stricture means that the esophagus the tube that carries food from your mouth to your stomach has become unusually narrow. This makes swallowing food and drinks harder, as they take longer to pass down into the stomach. People with this condition often need to eat slowly so that the food has time to clear from the throat before swallowing more.
Although not very common, esophageal strictures are seen more often in adults over the age of 40.
What is Esophageal Stenosis?
Esophageal stenosis is a condition where the esophagus the muscular tube that carries food from the mouth to the stomach becomes abnormally narrow. This narrowing can make it difficult to swallow food or liquids, cause a feeling of blockage, or even lead to chest pain and weight loss.
While it often develops gradually, it can interfere significantly with eating and daily comfort if not diagnosed and treated in time.
What Causes Esophageal Stenosis?
The esophagus can narrow for several reasons.
Common causes include
- Chronic acid reflux (GERD): Repeated acid exposure causes irritation and scarring.
- Radiation therapy to the chest or neck, especially for cancer.
- Surgical injury or procedures that damage the esophagus.
- Esophageal cancer, may block or compress the esophagus.
- Swallowing caustic substances such as household cleaning chemicals.
- Congenital narrowing, present from birth in some people.
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Get Second OpinionWho is at Risk of Developing Esophageal Stenosis?
Certain conditions and habits may increase your risk of esophageal stenosis:
- Long-term untreated GERD
- Hiatal hernia
- Previous esophageal surgery or radiation therapy
- Autoimmune diseases like scleroderma
- Injury from pills or foreign objects
- Ingestion of corrosive agents
What Are the Symptoms of Esophageal Stenosis?
Symptoms may start mildly and become worse over time. Many people don't notice until swallowing becomes painful or difficult.
Key symptoms include
- Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia), especially with dry or solid foods like bread or meat
- A sensation of food getting stuck in the chest or throat
- Painful swallowing (odynophagia)
- Frequent heartburn or acid reflux
- Unexplained weight loss
- Chest pain or discomfort, especially after eating
- Regurgitation of food
- Coughing, choking, or hoarseness while eating
If these symptoms persist, they can affect nutrition, hydration, and overall well-being.
How is Esophageal Stenosis Diagnosed?
To confirm the condition and find the underlying cause, your doctor may use several tools:
- Barium swallow test: You drink a special liquid that highlights the esophagus on an X-ray, showing any narrowing.
- Upper endoscopy (EGD): A thin tube with a camera is passed into the esophagus to look inside, often with a biopsy if needed.
- Esophageal manometry: Measures muscle movement and coordination in the esophagus.
- CT scan or MRI: May be used if tumors or other structural issues are suspected.
- pH monitoring (in some cases): To check acid reflux if GERD is involved.
Early diagnosis ensures the right treatment and helps avoid serious complications.
What Treatment Options Are Available for Esophageal Stenosis?
Treatment depends on the severity and cause of the narrowing. The main goal is to widen the esophagus and relieve symptoms.
Common treatments include:
- Esophageal dilation: A balloon or dilator is inserted during endoscopy to stretch the narrowed area. This is the most common and effective treatment.
- Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs): Medications like omeprazole or pantoprazole reduce stomach acid and prevent further damage from GERD.
- Steroid injections: Used during dilation to reduce inflammation and prevent the stenosis from returning.
- Esophageal stents: A tube placed in the esophagus to keep it open, usually in cases involving cancer or severe scarring.
- Surgery: In rare, complicated cases where other treatments are not effective, surgical correction may be needed.
Alongside treatment, dietary changes like switching to softer foods and eating slowly can also help.
When Should You See a Doctor?
If you have trouble swallowing, feel like food is getting stuck, experience frequent reflux, or are losing weight without trying, don't ignore the signs.
These could be symptoms of esophageal stenosis or another digestive issue. Early diagnosis can prevent discomfort and serious complications.
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What Are the Possible Complications of Esophageal Stenosis?
Without proper treatment, esophageal stenosis can lead to serious health concerns, including:
- Choking or food getting stuck in the throat or chest
- Malnutrition and unintended weight loss
- Aspiration pneumonia, caused by food or liquid entering the lungs
- Dehydration, especially if fluid intake is reduced
- Esophageal ulcers due to persistent acid reflux
- Esophageal perforation (a rare but serious tear in the esophagus)
- Emotional distress or social anxiety around eating due to fear of choking
Timely treatment can prevent most of these complications and restore comfort during eating.
What's the Recovery process for Esophageal Stenosis?
Most patients feel significant relief after esophageal dilation or other treatment. You may be advised to follow a soft or liquid diet for a few days after procedures and gradually return to normal eating. Some people need repeat dilations over time.
The long-term outcome depends on the underlying cause. If GERD is controlled, the risk of recurrence drops significantly.
Our Experience in Treating Esophageal Stenosis
At Medicover Hospitals, our experienced team of gastroenterologists and digestive care specialists offer advanced care for conditions like esophageal stenosis. We use safe and proven treatments like stretching the esophagus, scans, and medicines to help you feel better.
From your first visit to follow-up care, our team makes sure you get the right treatment with kindness and care.
