Esophageal strictures occur when scar tissue forms in the esophagus, causing it to narrow. This tightening makes it harder to swallow solids-and sometimes liquids-and can lead to discomfort or chest pain.
You may experience:
Scar tissue builds up after injury or irritation to the esophagus. Typical causes include:
Don't wait to get help. At GastroDoxs in Katy, our board-certified esophageal specialists are ready to guide you toward easier swallowing and lasting relief. Whether you're experiencing mild discomfort or significant difficulty, a personalized treatment plan is just an appointment away.
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.
An esophageal stricture is a narrowing of the esophagus caused by scar tissue formation. This narrowing makes it harder to swallow food and sometimes even liquids.
Patients often experience difficulty swallowing (dysphagia), a sensation of food sticking in the throat or chest, frequent heartburn or acid reflux, chest pain or pressure, and unintended weight loss.
Diagnosis typically involves a barium swallow X-ray to visualize the narrowing, followed by an endoscopy to directly inspect the esophageal lining and confirm that the stricture is non-cancerous.
Yes. A soft diet-consisting of smooth, blended, or mashed foods in small bites-can ease swallowing. Avoiding hard, crunchy, or spicy items helps prevent further irritation.
A barium swallow highlights the esophagus on X-ray, revealing the exact location, length, and severity of the narrowing. This information guides your doctor in planning the most appropriate treatment.
Under physician guidance, at-home measures may include dietary modifications and prescribed acid-reducing medications. These steps offer temporary relief but are not a substitute for professional care.
In the clinic, we perform endoscopic dilation to stretch the narrowed area, place stents to keep the esophagus open, and use medications-such as proton pump inhibitors or topical steroids-to reduce inflammation.
Strictures commonly develop from chronic acid reflux (GERD), eosinophilic esophagitis (an allergy-related inflammation), radiation therapy to the chest, ingestion of caustic substances, or surgical scarring.
The VA disability rating depends on how severely swallowing is affected. Each case is evaluated according to VA guidelines to determine the appropriate rating.
GastroDoxs in Katy, TX offers board-certified specialists in esophageal care. Call our office or book online to schedule a consultation and get personalized treatment for your stricture.
