A stricture is a narrowing in one area of the esophagus, the tube that carries food and liquid to your stomach. It most often happens close to where the esophagus meets the stomach. A stricture can make it hard to swallow. You may feel like food gets stuck in your esophagus.
If you have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), stomach acid can flow backward into the esophagus. This can damage the lining of your esophagus and cause a stricture.
Other things that can cause a stricture include:
Surgery, radiation, or other treatments on the esophagus.
Some diseases and infections.
Reactions to some chemicals or medicines or to the use of alcohol.
How are strictures diagnosed?
Your doctor may check your esophagus if you are having trouble swallowing or if you feel like food is getting stuck. The doctor will use an endoscope, which is a thin, flexible, lighted viewing instrument. It goes into the mouth and down the throat. Your doctor can use it to check for any problems. The scope can also be used to take a sample of tissue to test (biopsy).
You might need an X-ray. For the X-ray, you may need to swallow a chalky white substance with barium in it. This makes it easier to see what happens in your esophagus.
How are strictures treated?
Strictures are usually treated with a procedure called esophageal dilation. Dilation can open up narrow areas of the esophagus.
Before the procedure, you will get medicines through a vein (intravenous, I.V.). These medicines reduce pain and will make you feel relaxed and drowsy. You will also get medicine sprayed on the back of your throat to numb it. You may not remember much about the procedure.
The doctor will guide a balloon or a plastic tool (dilator) down your throat and into your esophagus. Then the dilator is expanded, like a balloon filling with air. It widens any narrow parts of your esophagus.
To guide the dilator, the doctor uses an endoscope which is a thin, flexible, lighted viewing instrument. It goes into your mouth and down your throat. Or the doctor may use a thin wire to guide the dilator.
You will stay for a few hours after the procedure to make sure that you are not having any problems.
Your doctor will tell you when you can go back to your usual diet and activities and what things to avoid that may have caused the stricture.
You may still need to treat some symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Your doctor may give you information about that.
Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and contact your doctor if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take.
Clinical Review Board All Ignite Healthwise, LLC education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
Clinical Review Board All Ignite Healthwise, LLC education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Ignite Healthwise, LLC disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
The Health Encyclopedia contains general health information. Not all treatments or services described are covered benefits for Kaiser Permanente members or offered as services by Kaiser Permanente. For a list of covered benefits, please refer to your Evidence of Coverage or Summary Plan Description. For recommended treatments, please consult with your health care provider.
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