Esophageal Stricture
Types of Esophageal Stricture:
- Benign Esophageal Stricture: Caused by a non-cancerous condition.
- Malignant Esophageal Stricture: Resulting from esophageal cancer.
Causes of Benign Esophageal Stricture:
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
- Esophageal injury
- Ingestion of acidic or toxic substances that cause esophageal erosion, such as cleaners
- Stomach ulcers
- Prolonged use of a nasogastric tube
- Long-term use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- reatment for esophageal varices
Causes of Malignant Esophageal Stricture:
It is a narrowing of the esophagus that occurs due to esophageal cancer, where cancer cells grow and cause narrowing of the esophagus.
Symptoms of Esophageal Stricture:
- Difficulty and pain when swallowing
- Feeling of food stuck in the esophagus
- Food regurgitation into the mouth
- Frequent burping
- Choking episodes
- Heartburn
- Persistent cough.
- Poor nutrition and unintentional weight loss
Diagnosis of Esophageal Stricture:
- X-ray examination after swallowing barium
- Upper endoscopy
Complications of Esophageal Stricture:
- Choking and difficulty breathing due to food not passing through the esophagus, leading to pressure on the trachea
- Dehydration, malnutrition, and weight loss
- Pneumonia
Treatment of Esophageal Stricture:
1- Role of Upper Endoscopy in Treating Esophageal Stricture:
- Esophageal dilation using upper endoscopy
- Placement of a stent in the esophagus via upper endoscopy to keep it open
- Removal of tumors and cancers of the esophagus using the latest techniques, such as
- endoscopic mucosal resection
- endoscopic submucosal dissection
2- Treatment of Esophageal Stricture with Medication:
- Antacid medications such as omeprazole
- Anti-inflammatory medications like steroids
- Antibiotics in cases of infection
3- Following a Specific Diet and Changing Eating Habits:
- Eating small meals several times a day
- Avoiding lying down immediately after eating
- Avoiding spicy, fatty, and acidic foods
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Quitting smoking
- Avoiding chocolate, caffeine, and alcohol
