Esophageal Stricture

An esophageal stricture happens when the tube that carries food and liquids from your mouth to your stomach becomes narrower than normal. This narrowing can make it difficult for food to pass through. Causes of esophageal stricture can vary, but some common factors include chronic gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), where stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, causing inflammation and scarring.

Other causes may include certain medications that can irritate the esophagus lining, swallowing harmful chemicals, or having surgery or radiation therapy in the chest area. These factors can lead to the formation of scar tissue, which gradually narrows the esophagus. Understanding the underlying cause of an esophageal stricture is important for determining the appropriate treatment

What Are the Symptoms of Esophageal Stricture

Patients may experience pain or discomfort while swallowing, heartburn, regurgitation of food or liquids, and frequent acid reflux. Weight loss, coughing, and chest pain may also occur in some cases. If you notice any of these symptoms, it's essential to consult a healthcare provider for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Difficulty swallowing, especially with solid foods, can be a prominent symptom of esophageal stricture.
Persistent chest pain or discomfort while eating or swallowing may indicate the presence of esophageal stricture.
Regurgitation of food or liquids shortly after swallowing could be a sign of esophageal stricture.
Heartburn or acid reflux that doesn't improve with usual treatments might be related to esophageal stricture.
Unintentional weight loss or difficulty maintaining weight can be a concerning symptom associated with esophageal stricture.

Get a second opinion from trusted experts and makeconfident, informed decisions.

Get Second Opinion

Causes of Esophageal Stricture

Other factors contributing to esophageal strictures include long-term use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), radiation therapy to the chest or upper abdomen, ingestion of corrosive substances, and certain autoimmune conditions like eosinophilic esophagitis.

These factors can result in the narrowing of the esophagus, causing symptoms such as difficulty swallowing, chest pain, and regurgitation of food. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are crucial in managing esophageal strictures effectively.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a common cause of esophageal stricture due to chronic acid reflux irritating the esophageal lining.
Prolonged use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can lead to the development of esophageal strictures over time.
Esophageal injury caused by ingesting corrosive substances, such as strong acids or alkalis, can result in the formation of strictures.
Radiation therapy for treating certain cancers in the chest or upper abdomen may cause scarring and narrowing of the esophagus, leading to strictures.
Conditions like eosinophilic esophagitis, where inflammation and swelling occur in the esophagus, can

Types Of Esophageal Stricture

Types of esophageal stricture include benign and malignant strictures.

Benign strictures can result from conditions like gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or esophageal surgery.
Eosinophilic esophagitis is another common cause of benign strictures.
Malignant strictures are typically caused by underlying conditions like esophageal cancer.
Other less common types of esophageal strictures can result from chemical ingestion or radiation therapy.
Differentiating between benign and malignant strictures is crucial for appropriate treatment planning.
Treatment options for esophageal strictures may include dilation procedures, stent placement, or surgery, depending on the underlying cause and severity.

Risk Factors

Various factors can increase the risk of developing esophageal strictures, including chronic acid reflux (gastroesophageal reflux disease), which can damage the esophageal lining over time. Other causes include frequent vomiting, certain medications like NSAIDs, radiation therapy to the chest or neck area, and conditions such as eosinophilic esophagitis or scleroderma.

Additionally, injuries from ingesting corrosive substances or undergoing esophageal surgery can also predispose individuals to esophageal strictures. Early detection and management of these risk factors are crucial in preventing the development of esophageal strictures.

Chronic gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) increases the risk of esophageal stricture due to prolonged acid exposure.
Smoking tobacco is a significant risk factor for developing esophageal strictures as it can damage the esophageal lining.
Consuming hot beverages or foods regularly may lead to thermal injury of the esophagus, contributing to stricture formation.
Having a history of radiation therapy to the chest area can cause scarring and narrowing of the esophagus, leading to strictures.
Autoimmune conditions such as eosinophilic esophagitis can trigger inflammation and fibrosis in the esophagus, raising the risk of strictures.

Your health is everything - prioritize your well-being today.

Schedule Your Appointment

Diagnosis of Esophageal Stricture

The initial step often includes discussing symptoms, such as difficulty swallowing or chest pain, with the healthcare provider. A physical exam may also be conducted to assess for signs of narrowing in the esophagus.

Diagnostic tests like an upper endoscopy, barium swallow, or esophageal manometry are commonly used to confirm the presence and severity of the stricture. These tests provide detailed images and measurements to help healthcare providers determine the most appropriate treatment plan for the patient.

Esophageal stricture can be diagnosed through imaging tests like barium swallow or endoscopy.
A biopsy may be taken during endoscopy to confirm the cause of the stricture.
Esophageal manometry can assess the function of the esophagus and help diagnose motility disorders.
CT scans or MRIs may be used to evaluate the extent and underlying causes of the stricture.
pH monitoring can help identify if acid reflux is contributing to the stricture development.

Treatment for Esophageal Stricture

Esophageal stricture treatment options vary depending on the underlying cause and severity of the condition. Common approaches include endoscopic dilation, where a special balloon or dilator is used to widen the narrowed part of the esophagus. In some cases, stents may be placed to keep the esophagus open.

Medications to reduce inflammation and acid reflux can also help manage symptoms and prevent further narrowing. In severe cases or when other treatments are ineffective, surgery may be necessary to repair the stricture. It is essential to consult with a healthcare provider to determine the most suitable treatment plan tailored to individual needs.

Find Our Specialists

Book Doctor Appointment