Esophageal stricture & bull; hello healthy

Definition

What are esophageal strictures?

Esophageal stricture is a narrowing of the esophageal tube, also known as the esophagus. Inflammation or damage to the esophagus can cause scar tissue to form which leads to narrowing of the esophagus.

Signs and symptoms

What are the signs and symptoms of esophageal stricture?

Some of the more common symptoms of esophageal strictures are:

Stomach acid rises or the chest feels burning like it is burning
The mouth feels bitter or sour
Pain or difficulty swallowing
Many times belching or hiccuping
Weight loss for no apparent reason

There may be some signs or symptoms not listed above. If you have concerns about certain symptoms, consult your doctor.

When should I see a doctor?

You should see a doctor right away if you experience symptoms of esophageal stricture. Everyone's body is different. Always consult a doctor to treat your health condition.

Cause

What causes esophageal strictures?

Narrowing of the esophagus is caused by a variety of conditions. The most common are benign strictures. This occurs due to stomach acid reflux disease (gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD) or esophagitis.

Esophageal stricture can appear at any age, but it is more common in people over 40.

The most striking thing about this condition is the presence of excess stomach acid that rises from the stomach into the esophagus (esophagus), causing inflammation in the lower esophagus. If it often occurs, over time this inflammation will cause injury. Then from this wound, scar tissue and benign strictures are formed in the form of circles that continue to shrink and center at one point (concentric). This very small opening at the center is the only channel in the esophagus. Usually this is accompanied by a hiatal hernia condition.

The rings that form concentric circles in the esophagus are often called Schatzki rings and often appear between the esophagus and stomach. This ring can stay for years.

Once diagnosed, an esophageal stricture can be easily treated to dilate the esophagus by opening the scar tissue for more relief.

Benign esophageal strictures can be congenital (congenital), for example because there is some kind of tissue or membrane blocking any part of the esophagus, usually at the top. This condition can also be treated by dilating the esophagus through an endoscope or Bougie's dilator.

Other conditions that can cause benign esophageal strictures are corrosive injuries from ingesting harmful chemicals (such as cleaning fluids), radiation, surgical procedures, or achalasia (rare disorders that make it difficult for patients to swallow).

In addition, there are other conditions that can cause dysphagia (difficulty swallowing), even though there is no esophageal stricture. In such cases, neurological disorders, vascular disorders, muscle and bone disorders such as muscular dystrophy, and diverticulum may be the cause.

Risk factors

What increases my risk of esophageal stricture?

The following are the risk factors:

Stomach acid rises in the long run
Birth defects, such as stenosis and diverticulosis
Take medications such as aspirin, pain relievers, and malaria drugs
Surgery, radiation, or sclerotherapy to the esophagus
Long-term nasogastric tube insertion
Ingesting chemicals such as cleaning fluids
Infections, skin diseases, esophagitis (inflammation of the esophagus), scleroderma, and esophageal cancer

Diagnosis and treatment

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor.

How are esophageal strictures diagnosed?

You may be asked to have an X-ray scan. To do this, the doctor may give you a thick liquid, namely barium, which must be drunk so that later your esophagus and stomach can be seen clearly on the X-ray machine.

You may also be examined with a CT scan, or CAT scan of the esophagus and stomach area.

Meanwhile, an endoscope (tube with a small camera) may be inserted to find out what is causing the narrowing of the esophagus in your body.

How are esophageal strictures treated?

Treatment of benign strictures generally involves dilating the esophagus when the doctor performs an upper endoscopy. When your doctor does this, you will likely be unconscious as the mash is under anesthetic.

A balloon dilator that is inserted along with the endoscope usually expands the area with the stricture and gives you greater relief. Balloon dilators are also commonly used, although not with an endoscope. This procedure is called a Mallony or savory dilator. Later this dilator will expand bigger and bigger until it penetrates the stricture. In this procedure, the patient will also be sedated first.

Treatment for malignant esophageal stricture (esophageal cancer) is available, but the results are often unfavorable. If the stricture is not that big and has not spread, surgery can be one way to stop cancer.

However, if the tumor cannot be stopped, you may be advised to undergo palliative treatment. This includes chemotherapy, radiotherapy, esophageal dilation, laser treatment, injections, and placing a stent or stent in the esophagus to keep the channel open.

Under any circumstances, the patient must work closely with his doctor to determine which approach and treatment is most appropriate.

Home remedies

What are some lifestyle changes or home remedies that can be done to treat esophageal stricture?

The following lifestyle and home remedies can help you deal with esophageal stricture:

Get enough rest. Take it easy if you want to start your activities again and consult your doctor first.
Ask your doctor what foods are safe to eat. You may not be able to eat solid foods and should eat soups, juices, porridge and puddings. You can only eat solid foods when the esophagus has improved.

If you have any questions, consult your doctor for the best solution to your problem.

Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.