Stricture of the esophagus

Esophageal Stricture

What's stricture of esophagus?

Stricture of the esophagus – state, in which there is a narrowing of the esophagus, making it difficult to swallow. Esophagus – muscular tube, through which food passes from the throat to the stomach.

The causes of esophageal strictures

Stricture of the esophagus is usually caused by increase of scar tissue, the cause of which is:

• Ingestion of harmful substances, such as household cleaners;
• Treatment of esophageal varices;
• Injuries, eg, resulting endoscopy;
• Esophageal carcinoma.

Risk factors for esophageal stricture

Factors, that may increase the risk of esophageal stricture include:

• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD);
• Prolonged use of a nasogastric tube;
• Eosinophilic esophagitis;
• Taking certain medications, eg, is used to treat osteoporosis, or taking certain antibiotics.

Stricture of the esophagus – symptoms

Symptoms may include esophageal stricture:

• Difficulty weight management;
• Pain when swallowing;
• Unintentional weight loss;
• Regurgitation of food – food back from the stomach into the esophagus or mouth.

Stricture of the esophagus may cause large chunks of food stuck in the esophagus.

Diagnosis of esophageal strictures

The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical examination.

To inspect the esophagus can be used:

• Endoscopy;
• Radiopaque barium study – barium porridge.

Stricture of the esophagus – treatment

Treatments may include esophageal stricture:

Expansion of the esophagus

Expansion of the esophagus is the endoscopic procedure. The endoscope is inserted through the mouth into the esophagus. It will then use a small balloon or tapered plastic dilators, to expand the wall of the esophagus. For patient convenience, this procedure can be performed under local anesthesia. The local anesthetic is usually applied as a spray. In order to properly stretch the esophagus often takes several such procedures.

Proton pump inhibitors

When esophageal stricture is caused by GERD, used proton pump inhibitors or drugs to block the production of acid. Their method to prevent relapse of stricture.

If diagnosed with esophageal stricture, Follow your doctor's instructions.

The operation for the treatment of esophageal strictures

It may be necessary surgery, if the stricture become too tight or wide.

Stricture of the esophagus – prevention

To reduce the risk of esophageal strictures, Follow these steps::

• Consult your doctor, if you have GERD;
• Avoid ingestion of caustic substances;
• Keep corrosive substances and locked away from children.