Benign esophageal stricture is a narrowing of the esophagus (the tube from the mouth to the stomach) that causes swallowing difficulties.
Causes, incidence, and risk factors: Esophageal stricture can be caused by:
- Gastroesophageal reflux (GERD), irritation caused by excess stomach acids
- Prolonged use of a nasogastric (NG) tube while under medical care
- Ingestion of corrosive substances
- Viral or bacterial infections
- Treatment of esophageal varices (dilated blood vessels)
- Injuries caused by endoscopes (small cameras used during surgery or certain tests)
Treatment: Dilation (stretching) of the esophagus is the preferred treatment. Repeated dilation may be necessary to prevent the stricture from returning.
Proton pump inhibitors (acid-blocking medicines) can keep a peptic stricture from returning. Surgical treatment is rarely necessary.
Expectations (prognosis): The patient may develop the stricture again in the future.
Complications: Swallowing difficulties may keep the patient from getting enough fluids and nutrients. There is also an increased risk (with regurgitation) of having food, fluid, or vomit enter the lungs and cause choking or aspiration pneumonia.
Calling your health care provider: Call your health care provider if swallowing difficulty persists.
Prevention: Prevention is related to the causes. For example, use safety measures to avoid ingestion of corrosive substances. Keep dangerous products out of the reach of children. Persistent reflux disease should be evaluated by a physician.
