An esophageal stricture is a narrowing of the esophagus, the tube that carries food from your mouth to your stomach. This tightening makes swallowing difficult and may cause pain or discomfort. At GastroDoxs in Jersey Village, our specialists provide gentle, expert diagnosis and care.
Symptoms often start mild and worsen over time. Look out for:
Esophageal strictures develop from damage or irritation to the esophagus lining. Common causes include:
At GastroDoxs in Jersey Village, we deliver patient-centered care for esophageal strictures using state-of-the-art endoscopic treatments, personalized medication plans, and supportive follow-up. Our experienced gastroenterologists are dedicated to restoring your swallowing function and improving your quality of life with compassionate, tailored solutions. Book your appointment today and take the first step towards comfortable, worry-free eating.
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.
The ICD-10 code for esophageal strictures is K22.2. This code is used in medical billing, insurance claims, and patient records to identify and track treatment of this condition.
Signs include difficulty swallowing foods or liquids, feeling like food is stuck in your chest, chest discomfort, persistent heartburn, or unexplained weight loss. If you experience these symptoms, seek evaluation by a gastroenterologist.
Benign strictures result from scarring caused by acid reflux, radiation, or injury. Malignant strictures are caused by cancerous growths in the esophagus and often present with more severe symptoms like rapid weight loss and bleeding.
Achalasia is a motility disorder where the nerves controlling the esophagus don't function properly, preventing food from moving into the stomach. A stricture is a physical narrowing of the esophagus that blocks food passage.
Warning signs include severe and progressive difficulty swallowing, unintentional and rapid weight loss, chest pain, and bleeding (vomiting blood or passing black stools). These symptoms warrant immediate medical attention.
Treatment often starts with endoscopic dilation to gently stretch the narrowed area. Additional options include stent placement, acid-reducing medications, and, in some cases, surgery-especially for malignant or recurrent strictures.
Yes. Soft foods, soups, smoothies, and thickened liquids are easier to swallow. Avoid hard, dry, crumbly, or excessively spicy foods. Working with a dietitian can help you maintain proper nutrition.
Benign strictures are not usually life-threatening but can impair nutrition and quality of life. Malignant strictures are more serious due to the underlying cancer and require prompt evaluation and treatment.
Most patients can resume a normal diet within a day or two, starting with soft foods. Full healing may take several weeks, and repeat dilations or follow-up endoscopies may be needed to maintain the esophageal opening.
If you experience persistent swallowing difficulties, chest pain, or unexplained weight loss, contact the gastroenterologists at GastroDoxs in Jersey Village. Early evaluation can prevent complications and improve outcomes.
