A healthy human esophagus is about an inch wide to allow liquids and chewed food to pass into the stomach. Chronic exposure to stomach acid through gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), injury, cancer or long-term inflammation can change the lining of the esophagus and cause scarring that makes it narrower. This condition, called stricture, can make it hard for food to pass and cause trouble swallowing. Strictures don’t improve on their own, usually getting worse with time.
Our team of specialists is skilled in identifying and effectively treating strictures, leaving you feeling more comfortable swallowing and ensuring you’re able to maintain the nutrition your body needs.
Symptoms & Diagnosis
The most common symptoms of esophageal strictures are:
- Trouble or pain when swallowing. Taking smaller bites can help for a while but the stricture will eventually make the passage in your esophagus smaller and smaller.
- Feeling like there’s a lump in your throat.
- Pain in the chest.
- Coughing or choking when you try to swallow.
- Vomiting food that you just swallowed.
- Frequent hiccupping or burping.
- Weight loss.
To confirm you have a stricture, your specialist will recommend one or more tests such as:
- Endoscopy (EGD) – allows us to see and evaluate the inside of the upper gastrointestinal system and take biopsies if needed to check for inflammation, infection or damage. We use a small telescopic camera sent through the mouth into the esophagus and stomach. We can also take a biopsy if needed.
- Upper GI X-Ray – with barium and a special X-ray machine, we take images of the esophagus, small intestine and stomach as you swallow.
Treatment Options
Treating a stricture is the only way it will get better. Over time, if you don’t get treatment for it, it will grow tighter in your esophagus. Treatment options include:
- Upper endoscopy with Dilation (EGD). Using an endoscopy scope through the mouth and into the esophagus, we insert a special balloon that is inflated to dilate, or wide, the narrowed area. This treatment may take a few sessions to open the area as much as possible.
- Stenting. Sometimes, we insert a temporary stent during an EGD procedure to keep the space open.
Living with the Condition
Because strictures are treatable, the most important thing you can do is address the cause so they don’t return or worsen. That means working with a specialist to reduce the reflux of stomach acid into your esophagus.
Beyond that, the most helpful tip for living with strictures is to keep an eye on your diet. Our nutritionists can help you develop eating habits that are lower in acid to avoid reflux and fiber so gentler on your esophagus.