Esophageal Stricture
Obesity Videos
Overview
An esophageal stricture is a narrowing of the esophagus that makes it difficult for food and liquids to pass into the stomach. It commonly develops from chronic inflammation, acid reflux, scar tissue formation, or injury to the esophageal lining. Strictures can cause swallowing difficulties, chest discomfort, regurgitation, and weight loss. Treatment focuses on relieving the narrowing and addressing the underlying cause.
Causes
Common causes include chronic GERD, esophagitis, Barrett’s esophagus, radiation therapy, ingestion injuries, autoimmune disorders, and complications from prior surgeries or endoscopic procedures. Persistent inflammation leads to scar tissue that narrows the esophagus.
Risk Factors
Risk factors include long‑standing GERD, Barrett’s esophagus, prior esophageal surgery, radiation therapy, caustic ingestion, eosinophilic esophagitis, and chronic inflammation.
How Esophageal Stricture Affects the Body
A stricture restricts the passage of food, causing dysphagia, regurgitation, chest pain, and risk of aspiration. Severe narrowing can lead to dehydration, malnutrition, and significant weight loss.
Complications
Complications include food impaction, aspiration pneumonia, esophagitis, ulceration, and recurrent strictures requiring repeated dilation. Severe cases may require surgical intervention.
Symptoms & Signs
Symptoms include difficulty swallowing solids or liquids, sensation of food “sticking,” regurgitation, chest discomfort, chronic cough, and unintentional weight loss.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is made through endoscopy, barium swallow studies, and imaging. Endoscopy identifies the location and severity of narrowing and allows for biopsy if needed.
Differential Diagnosis
Conditions that mimic strictures include achalasia, esophageal cancer, eosinophilic esophagitis, esophageal spasm, and functional dysphagia.
Lifestyle Modifications
Patients may benefit from eating slowly, chewing thoroughly, choosing softer foods, avoiding large bites, and managing underlying reflux with dietary changes.
Treatment Options
Treatment includes endoscopic dilation, steroid injections, acid suppression therapy, management of underlying inflammation, and in severe cases, surgical reconstruction. Recurrent strictures may require repeated dilations.
When to See a Doctor
Seek medical evaluation if you experience progressive difficulty swallowing, food impaction, vomiting, chest pain, or unexplained weight loss.
When to Seek Treatment
Treatment is recommended when swallowing becomes difficult, symptoms worsen, or complications such as aspiration or weight loss occur.
Long-Term Outlook
With proper management, patients experience significant improvement in swallowing. Ongoing monitoring is important for recurrent or complex strictures.
Prognosis
Most strictures respond well to endoscopic dilation, though some may recur. Treating the underlying cause improves long‑term outcomes.
Why Choose Dr. de la Cruz‑Muñoz
Dr. Nestor de la Cruz‑Muñoz provides expert evaluation and advanced treatment for esophageal strictures, including endoscopic dilation, management of underlying inflammation, and surgical options when needed.
