Esophageal stricture

Overview
Benign esophageal stricture is a narrowing of the esophagus that causes swallowing difficulties. It can be caused by or associated with gastroesophageal reflux disease, esophagitis (inflammation of the esophagus), dysfunctional lower esophageal sphincter, disordered motility, or a hiatal hernia.

It can be diagnosed with an X-Ray while the patient swallows barium (called a barium study of the esophagus), or by an endoscopy (in which a scope is passed into the esophagus).

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) affects approximately 40% of adults. Strictures occur in 7 to 23% of patients with GERD who are untreated.

If it is caused by esophagitis, then it is treated by treating the infection (typically with antibiotics). It can also be treated with a special balloon that inflates in the esophagus (called "Dilation of the stricture"), or with other medications. For example, an H2 blocker medicine (e.g., ranitidine) or a proton-pump inhibitor (e.g., omeprazole) can treat underlying acid reflux disease.