Esophageal Strictures

What Is an Esophageal Stricture?

An esophageal stricture is a narrowing or tightening of the esophagus, the tube that connects the throat to the stomach. This narrowing can make it difficult to swallow, cause discomfort, and lead to other complications. Strictures are often caused by chronic inflammation, injury, or scarring of the esophagus, and they can be associated with conditions like gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), esophageal cancer, or radiation therapy.

Symptoms of Esophageal Strictures

The symptoms of esophageal strictures may vary depending on the severity of the narrowing but often include:

Difficulty Swallowing (Dysphagia): Trouble swallowing solid foods, and in more severe cases, even liquids.

Chest Pain or Pressure: Discomfort in the chest, particularly when eating or drinking.

Regurgitation: Food or liquids coming back up into the mouth after swallowing.

Unintended Weight Loss: Difficulty eating may lead to unintended weight loss.

Coughing or Choking: Frequent coughing or choking, especially when attempting to swallow.

If you experience persistent difficulty swallowing or other symptoms, it’s important to consult a specialist for evaluation and treatment.

Causes and Risk Factors

Esophageal strictures are most commonly caused by conditions that lead to inflammation or damage to the esophagus. Some of the common causes and risk factors include:

Chronic Acid Reflux: Long-term acid reflux (GERD) can cause inflammation and scarring in the esophagus, leading to narrowing.

Esophageal Injury: Trauma or injury to the esophagus from surgery, endoscopy, or swallowing corrosive substances.

Radiation Therapy: Patients who have received radiation therapy for cancer treatment may be at risk for esophageal strictures.

Infections: Certain infections, such as fungal or viral infections, can cause inflammation and narrowing of the esophagus.

Autoimmune Diseases: Conditions like scleroderma can affect the muscles and tissues of the esophagus, leading to strictures.

Diagnosing Esophageal Strictures

Esophageal strictures are typically diagnosed through a combination of physical examination and diagnostic tests. Common methods of diagnosis include:

Endoscopy: A small, flexible tube with a camera is inserted through the mouth to examine the esophagus and detect any narrowing or damage.

Barium Swallow: This imaging test involves swallowing a contrast material (barium) that helps visualize the esophagus on X-rays.

Esophageal Manometry: A test that measures the pressure inside the esophagus to assess muscle function and identify areas of narrowing.

Treatments for Esophageal Strictures

Treatment for esophageal strictures depends on the severity of the condition and the underlying cause. Texas Advanced Surgical & Bariatrics offers a range of treatment options, including:

Esophageal Dilation: A procedure where the narrowed part of the esophagus is stretched using a balloon or dilator.

Medication: Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) or other acid-suppressing medications to manage GERD and prevent further damage to the esophagus.

Surgery: In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to remove scar tissue or correct the narrowing of the esophagus.

What Happens If Left Untreated?

If left untreated, esophageal strictures can lead to serious complications. Chronic difficulty swallowing may result in malnutrition and weight loss, as patients struggle to consume enough food and liquids. In more severe cases, the esophagus can become completely blocked, making it impossible to swallow and leading to dehydration and other life-threatening conditions.

Schedule a Consultation

If you’re experiencing symptoms of esophageal strictures or have been diagnosed with the condition, our team at Texas Advanced Surgical & Bariatrics is here to help. Schedule a consultation today to discuss your treatment options.

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