Schatzki's Ring is a thin, circular band of tissue that forms near the lower end of the esophagus-just above the stomach. It narrows the esophageal passage and often leads to intermittent difficulty swallowing solid foods. The ring is usually discovered during an endoscopy or barium swallow study, often after a piece of food becomes lodged.
Symptoms of a Schatzki's Ring can come and go. When they appear, you may notice:
The exact reason a Schatzki's Ring forms isn't always clear, but common contributing factors include:
At GastroDoxs, we specialize in diagnosing and treating Schatzki's Ring and other swallowing disorders with compassionate, patient-centered care. Our board-certified gastroenterologists use advanced endoscopy tools and personalized treatment plans-ranging from medication management to minimally invasive dilation-to restore your ability to eat comfortably. Ready to stop food from getting stuck? Call GastroDoxs or book online today to schedule your appointment with a Schatzki's Ring specialist in Houston.
We've successfully treated more than 677 patients, helping individuals improve their digestive health and overall well-being through expert, personalized care.
With over 20 years of experience, GastroDoxs has been a trusted provider of gastroenterology care, focusing on delivering the best outcomes for patients
Dr. Bharat Pothuri is a Board-Certified Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist. With extensive experience in digestive health, he specializes in advanced endoscopic procedures, chronic GI disorder management, and preventive care. Dr. Pothuri is dedicated to providing expert, patient-focused insights to help improve gut health and overall well-being.
A Schatzki ring is a thin, circular band of tissue that forms at the lower end of the esophagus just above the stomach. It can narrow the passage and make swallowing solid foods difficult.
Common signs include food feeling stuck in your chest or throat, discomfort or pressure when swallowing solids, and occasional chest pain after eating. A definitive diagnosis is made via endoscopy or a barium swallow study.
Yes. Chronic acid reflux (GERD) can injure the esophageal lining over time, leading to inflammation and the development of a Schatzki ring.
Diet modifications-such as taking smaller bites, chewing thoroughly, and eating softer foods-can ease mild symptoms but usually do not eliminate the ring. Most patients also require medical or procedural treatments.
Treatment may include proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) to reduce acid, dietary adjustments, and esophageal dilation using either balloon or Savary dilators. In rare cases, endoscopic removal of excess tissue is performed.
No, it is not life-threatening. However, if left untreated, it can significantly impact your ability to eat and your overall quality of life.
Many patients experience relief for months to years after dilation. Some people may need repeat procedures over time if symptoms recur.
Most insurance plans cover both the diagnostic tests (endoscopy or barium swallow) and treatment procedures (medication, dilation). Always verify details with your provider.
You can typically eat soft foods the same day as your procedure, with most patients returning to a regular diet within 1-2 days, based on their comfort level.
GastroDoxs in Houston offers board-certified gastroenterologists with advanced endoscopic tools and personalized treatment plans to diagnose and manage Schatzki rings effectively.
