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Esophageal StrictureHow to Say It: Ee-sof-uh-gee-uhl
by
Cynthia M. Johnson, MA DefinitionEsophageal stricture is a narrowing of the tube (esophagus) that goes from the mouth to the stomach. This makes it hard to take in food.
CausesThe main cause is scar tissue. This may happen because of:
Risk FactorsThings that may raise the risk of this problem are:
SymptomsProblems may be:
DiagnosisThe doctor will ask about your symptoms and health history. A physical may be done. Other tests may be:
TreatmentThe goal of treatment is to ease symptoms and stop them from coming back. Options are:
Surgery may be needed when other methods do not help. PreventionTo lower the risk of this problem:
RESOURCES:American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy https://www.asge.org Family Doctor—American Academy of Family Physicians https://familydoctor.org CANADIAN RESOURCES:Canadian Association of Gastroenterology https://www.cag-acg.org The College of Family Physicians of Canada https://www.cfpc.ca References:Caustic esophageal stricture. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at:
https://www.dynamed.com/condition/caustic-esophageal-stricture. Accessed October 21, 2020. Esophageal stricture. Cedars-Sinai website. Available at: https://www.cedars-sinai.edu/Patients/Health-Conditions/Esophageal-Stricture.aspx. Accessed October 21, 2020. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at:
https://www.dynamed.com/condition/gastroesophageal-reflux-disease-gerd. Accessed October 21, 2020. Kellerman R, Kintanar T. Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease. Prim Care. 2017 Dec;44(4):561-573. Understanding esophageal dilation. American Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy website. Available at:
https://www.asge.org/home/for-patients/patient-information/understanding-eso-dilation-updated. Accessed October 21, 2020. Last reviewed September 2020 by
EBSCO Medical Review Board
Daniel A. Ostrovsky, MD Last Updated: 10/21/2020 | |