Are You Experiencing Tightness In Your Throat?

You may have an esophageal stricture.

What is an esophageal stricture?

The esophagus is the muscular tube that connects the mouth to the stomach. An esophageal stricture is a narrowing of this muscular tube.

What causes an esophageal stricture?

Anything that injures the esophagus can cause scarring, which leads to narrowing of the esophagus or the formation of a stricture. Strictures are often caused by:

• Acid reflux
• Eosinophilic esophagitis
• Radiation therapy
• Congenital 
• External compression of the esophagus

What are the symptoms of an esophageal stricture?

• difficulty swallowing
• heartburn
• regurgitation of food
• discomfort in the chest 
• frequent burping

How is an esophageal stricture diagnosed?

• barium swallow: a radiology test involving swallowing a barium dye and taking x-ray images of the esophagus
• upper endoscopy: sedated procedure involving a camera entering through the throat to image the upper gastrointestinal tract

Treatment of an Esophageal Stricture:

Once testing has determined the cause of the stricture, your gastroenterologist will recommend a treatment plan.

tightness in the throat should be investigated by a gastroenterologist. 

If you are concerned that you have an esophageal stricture, please seek out medical help.