How do you fix a stricture in the esophagus?

Esophageal dilation is the most common treatment for strictures. Your provider uses a balloon or dilator (a long plastic or rubber cylinder) to widen the narrow area of the esophagus.

What is the most common cause of esophageal stricture?

The most common cause of an esophageal stricture is long-standing gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), where stomach acid backs up from the stomach into the esophagus and causes esophageal inflammation, which can lead to scarring and narrowing over time.

Can strictures of the esophagus be cured?

Various treatment methods can treat benign esophageal strictures effectively. However, esophageal strictures can reoccur, and people may need to have repeat dilations to reopen the esophagus. According to one source, 30 percent of people who have an esophageal dilation will require another dilation within a year.

Can an esophageal stricture be cancerous?

Although benign esophageal stricture isn’t a sign of cancer, the condition can cause several problems. Narrowing of the esophagus may make it difficult to swallow. This increases the risk of choking. It can also lead to complete obstruction of the esophagus.

Is esophageal stricture serious?

An esophageal stricture refers to the abnormal narrowing of the esophageal lumen; it often presents as dysphagia, commonly described by patients as difficulty swallowing. It is a serious sequela to many different disease processes and underlying etiologies. Its recognition and management should be prompt.

Do esophageal strictures get worse over time?

Esophageal strictures happen rarely and affect people of all ages, especially those older than age 40. This condition can be: Cancerous: More severe than any other condition. If not treated on time, these strictures worsen quickly.

Is an esophageal stricture serious?

How do you eat with esophageal stricture?

Soft diet tips

1. Take small bites of food and chew foods well.
2. Avoid tough meats, fresh “doughy” bread or rolls, hard bread crust, and abrasive foods.
3. Sip fluids when taking solids at meals and snacks to moisten foods.
4. Stop eating when you start to feel full.
5. Eat slowly in a relaxed atmosphere.

What foods should be avoided with esophageal stricture?

Avoid all fresh bread, rolls, muffins, biscuits, and rice. Canned, cooked or frozen fruit (canned peaches, applesauce). Soft fresh fruit such as bananas and melon. All fruit juices.