Esophageal Stricture

What is an Esophageal Stricture?

The esophagus is a muscular tube that connects the mounth to the stomach and is the conduit for food bolus to pass from the throat to the stomach. An esophageal stricture is a narrowing of the esophagus.

What causes an Esophageal Stricture?

Esophageal Stricture can be caused by:

Gastroesophageal Reflux (GERD)
Malignancy
Eosinophilic Esophagitis
Injuries caused by an endoscope
Long-term use of a nasogastric (NG) tube (tube through the nose into the stomach)
Swallowing substances that harm the lining of the esophagus. These may include household cleaners, lye, disc batteries, or battery acid
Treatment of esophageal varices

What are the symptoms of an Esophageal Stricture?

People with a benign esophageal stricture may experience the following symptoms:

Swallowing becoming difficult or painful
Food feeling stuck in the throat
Food returning up to the mouth from the stomach
Unintentional weight loss
Heartburn
Frequent hiccupping or burping
Coughing or choking
Drooling
Dehydration or Malnutrition

What are the treatment options for Esophageal Stricture?

There are different methods for treating benign Esophageal Strictures, and the most suitable option will depend on the cause.
The causes of a benign Esophageal Stricture can include:

GERD: In people with this disorder, stomach acid comes back up the esophagus from the stomach to the mouth, which can irritate the lining of the esophagus.
Injury from an Endoscopy: Some medical procedures involve the insertion of an instrument called an endoscope into the esophagus, which can sometimes injure this part of the body.
Frequent use of a Nasogastric Tube: This tube passes through the nose and esophagus to the stomach, allowing people to take food and liquid through it. Long-term or extensive use of the tube can cause an esophageal stricture.
Swallowing certain substances: Swallowing toxic substances, such as household cleaning products, can cause an esophageal stricture. Consuming extremely hot or cold liquids can also sometimes damage the esophagus.
Treatment for Esophagus Varices: Swollen veins in the esophagus require treatment, which can sometimes scar the esophagus.
Esophagitis: This immune disorder causes inflammation of the esophagus. It may occur due to an allergic reaction or a severe case of GERD.
Scleroderma: This autoimmune disorder can affect the lining of the esophagus.

What Diets to be taken in Esophageal Stricture?

In cases where GERD causes an esophageal stricture, making dietary and lifestyle changes can help treat symptoms.
These changes may include:

Avoiding spicy, greasy, or fatty foods, as well as chocolate, alcohol, tobacco, and caffeine, as these can all cause GERD.
Losing excess weight.
Wearing loose-fitting clothing to relieve pressure on the stomach.
Eating frequent small meals rather than three large meals a day.
Avoiding lying down until 3 hours after eating.

How are Esophageal Strictures managed?

The initial treatment is a proper endoscopy and assesment of the stricture, the remaining esophagus and the stomach.
then an endoscopic dilation is planned for the strictures.
Some strictures can be managed by dilations. Some patients who have recurrent strictures require surgery as the permanent and long term solution.