What Are Esophageal Strictures?
Esophageal stricture refers to shortening of the food pipe (esophagus), thus making it difficult to pass food and fluid between your mouth and stomach. It may lead to the tight spot, obstruction, and the inability to swallow (dysphagia).
Common Causes and Risk Factors
- Peptic strictures are caused by long term acid reflux (GERD).
- Chest radiation treatment.
- Eating of acidic or strong chemicals.
- Esophagitis (allergic swelling) is eosinophilic.
- History of esophageal surgery/trauma.
- Barrett's esophagus
- More than 50 years of heartburn.
Signs and Symptoms
- Difficulty in swallowing solids (dysphagia)
- Sensation of being stuck in the neck and in the chest.
- Chest pains or chronic heartburn.
- Vomiting up of raw food.
- Unintentional weight loss
How Dr. Rishi Diagnoses Esophageal Strictures?
Dr. Chadha uses a step-by-step approach:
Medical History and Exam
He looks into your problems of swallowing, reflux and other risk factors.
Upper Endoscopy
A flexible scope is used to visualize the esophagus directly which is used to detect any stricture.
Barium Swallow X-Ray
One consumes a contrast solution so that the X-rays can be applied to demonstrate to you where there are constrictions or motility issues.
Biopsy (if needed)
Small tissue samples are also used to perform endoscopy that rules out cancer or eosinophilic esophagitis.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are esophageal strictures?
These are tiny holes in the alimentary canal that it struggles to swallow.
How common are they?
They affect some 10 percent of people with a chronic reflux of acid (GERD).
What are the causes of esophagus strictures?
Most of them are brought about by chronic acid reflux. The remaining causes are radiation, corrosive chemical, operation or allergic inflammation.
What kinds of strictures?
Peptic (acid trauma), corrosive (chemicals) and eosinophilic/ allergic strictures.
What is their diagnosis by Dr. Chadha?
He uses upper endoscopy to visualize the constriction, has the ability to order a barium swallow X-ray and a biopsy when the cancer must be ruled out.
Can diet changes help?
Yes. Swallowing can be reassured, by taking small soft meals slowly and with more moisture.
Does it feel pain when the esophagus is swelling?
There is a slight level of pain, though the means of tranquilizing and gentle means will guarantee you that you are at ease.
How long does treatment take?
A majority of the patients are relieved through one or two dilation sessions.
Will I have to undergo frequent treatments?
Maintenance therapy or follow up dilations are some of the treatment measures required of some people to keep the esophagus open.
Does it have insurance coverage of diagnosis and treatment?
Most of the Houston plans contain the two. Our office staff will help you in verifying your benefits and going through it.