Esophageal stricture

Esophageal stricture is a medical condition characterized by the narrowing of the esophagus, the tube that connects the mouth and the stomach. This condition can lead to difficulty swallowing, regurgitation of food, and even weight loss.

Causes

Esophageal strictures can be caused by a variety of factors. The most common cause is gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a condition in which stomach acid backs up into the esophagus, causing damage and inflammation. Other causes can include damage from an endoscope, radiation therapy to the chest, swallowing harmful substances, or esophageal cancer.

Symptoms

The main symptom of esophageal stricture is dysphagia, or difficulty swallowing. This can manifest as a feeling of food stuck in the chest, pain when swallowing, unexpected weight loss, and regurgitation of food. In severe cases, it can lead to aspiration, where food or liquid enters the lungs, which can cause pneumonia.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of esophageal stricture typically involves an endoscopy, where a thin, flexible tube with a light and camera is inserted down the throat to examine the esophagus. Other tests can include a barium swallow, where the patient swallows a barium solution that coats the esophagus and shows up on X-rays, and esophageal manometry, which measures the pressure in the esophagus when swallowing.

Treatment

Treatment for esophageal stricture depends on the cause and severity of the condition. In many cases, treatment involves dilating, or stretching, the esophagus. This can be done using a balloon or a dilator during an endoscopy. Medications to reduce stomach acid can also be used to treat strictures caused by GERD. In severe cases, surgery may be required.

See also

• Gastroesophageal reflux disease
• Endoscopy
• Dysphagia

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