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He is one of the best gastroenterology doctors I have ever visited. Took my uncle for stomach pain, the doctor did endoscopy & colonoscopy, diagnosed the problem as large intestine cancer, the doctor asked a...
Uma V
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The doctor is extremely professional and polite. He explains the problem patiently and does not prescribe unnecessary medication. He gives priority to the patient's well-being over everything. I Will definitely recommend him
Chandrasekhar Sriramula
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I have referred/recommended a couple of my relatives and friends to this Dr (Dr. Srujan Kumar Dasyam). I say that the diagnosis and treatment are good and also Dr listens patiently in understanding the patient's...
Apoorva Reddy Panyala
Table Of Contents
- What is an Esophageal Stricture?
- What Causes an Esophageal Strictures?
- What are the Symptoms of an Esophageal Stricture?
- Who is at Risk of Esophageal Strictures?
- How is Esophageal Stricture Diagnosed?
- What Happens During Esophageal Stricture Dilation?
What is an Esophageal Stricture?
An esophageal stricture is an abnormal narrowing of the esophagus, a muscular tube connecting throat to the stomach, which helps carry food or liquids. An esophageal stricture narrows the esophagus making it difficult to swallow food and in some cases makes it difficult to even drink water.
What Causes an Esophageal Stricture?
Certain conditions or treatments can cause inflammation or scarring of the esophagus and lead to strictures:
- Eosinophilic Esophagitis: This allergic condition causes inflammation of the esophagus and can possibly lead to strictures.
- Esophageal Cancer: The tumor can cause strictures.
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD): Backword flow of stomach acid can damage lining of your esophagus and cause stricture, which is sometimes referred to as peptic stricture.
- Surgery: A surgical procedure of the esophagus can cause inflammation and scarring of the esophageal lining, leading to a stricture.
- Other causes: Ulcers, certain medications like NSAIDS and some infections can also cause strictures.
What are the Symptoms of an Esophageal Stricture?
An esophageal constriction may cause:
- Burning sensation in the neck or throat.
- Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia).
- Feeling of food getting stuck in your throat.
- Frequent episodes of choking.
Talk to a healthcare provider if you experience any of these symptoms. Strictures can lead to malnutrition and dehydration. Your provider can figure out what’s causing the strictures, so you get the right treatment and feel better.
Who is at Risk of Esophageal Strictures?
Risk factors for developing esophageal strictures include:
- Alcohol use.
- Esophageal Cancer.
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
- Hiatal hernia.
- A history of dysphagia (difficulty swallowing).
How is Esophageal Stricture Diagnosed?
- X-ray with barium swallow
- Ultrasound
- Endoscopy
- Esophageal manometry
What Happens During Esophageal Stricture Dilation?
Before the procedure, the doctor puts you on sedatives to help you relax and reduce pain. If you have GERD, you may receive medications like PPI’s to help make your stomach produce less acid.
An endoscope is inserted down your esophagus to perform the dilation. Either a balloon or a plastic/rubber dilator is used to stretch the narrowed esophagus.
