Esophageal Strictures-II: Clinical Features and Management

Esophageal stricture symptoms include difficulty swallowing, starting with solids and progressing to liquids.

Additional symptoms include chest pain, regurgitation, heartburn, unintended weight loss, and coughing or choking during meals.

To diagnose esophageal stricture, a complete medical history and physical examination are collected.

If a stricture is suspected, an endoscopy is performed to inspect for esophageal narrowing. If needed, a biopsy of the stricture may be obtained to check for malignancy.

Additionally, a barium swallow test also rules out conditions like foreign body impaction or diaphragmatic hernia.

Management primarily involves esophageal dilation, where a dilator is inserted through an endoscope. Once the strictured region is visible, the balloon is inflated to widen the narrow area.

Stents may be placed for malignant strictures to maintain the expanded area.

In cases where other treatments are ineffective, esophagectomy surgery may be considered.

Ultimately, medications like proton pump inhibitors and H2 blockers, combined with lifestyle changes, can reduce the risk of esophageal strictures.