Esophageal stricture, also called benign stricture of the esophagus, is a narrowing of the esophagus, causing swallowing difficulties.
The overall incidence is about 1 in 500 people.
Causes include:
Risk factors are related to the causes.
Diagnosis involves using a barium swallow and/or endoscopy to show narrowing of the esophagus.
Dilation of the esophagus is the preferred treatment. Repeated dilation may be necessary to prevent the recurrence of the narrowing. If dilation is unsuccessful, surgical replacement of the esophagus with a segment of the stomach or large intestine may be attempted.
Recurrence of the stricture is possible.
Swallowing difficulties may lead to inadequate intake of fluids and nutrients. There is also an increased risk (with regurgitation) of having food, fluid, or vomitus enter the lungs and cause aspiration pneumonia.
Difficulty swallowing, pain with swallowing, weight loss and regurgitation of food are the main symptoms.
A chronic ulcer causes swelling and inflammation of the gastric and duodenal tissues. Over time, scarring may close the pylorus, the lower end of the esophagus, thus preventing the passage of food and causing vomiting and weight loss.
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