DISEASE SCANNER

Global Incurable Diseases Tracker

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Gastroenterologic Disease

Esophageal Stricture

MODERATE

Narrowing of the esophagus causing difficulty swallowing (dysphagia). Most commonly caused by chronic acid reflux (GERD) leading to scar tissue formation. Other causes include radiation, eosinophilic esophagitis, cancer, and ingestion of caustic substances.

Global Affected

500.0K

Countries

89

Symptoms

Difficulty swallowing
Food feeling stuck
Pain with swallowing
Regurgitation
Unintentional weight loss
Frequent heartburn
Coughing/choking when eating

Treatment Options

Endoscopic dilation
Proton pump inhibitors
Steroid therapy (EoE)
Dietary modification
Self-expanding stents
Surgery (rare)
Dietary counseling

Risk Factors

1GERD
2Eosinophilic esophagitis
3Radiation therapy
4Esophageal cancer
5Caustic ingestion
6Scleroderma
7Prior esophageal surgery
8Prolonged NG tube

Diagnostic Methods

  • 1Barium swallow
  • 2Upper endoscopy
  • 3Biopsy
  • 4Eosinophil count (EoE)
  • 5CT scan
  • 6pH monitoring

Prognosis

Good with dilation. Benign strictures have excellent prognosis. Recurrence common if underlying cause not treated. Malignant strictures depend on cancer stage.

Prevention

  • GERD treatment
  • Avoid caustic substances
  • Eosinophilic esophagitis management
  • Swallowing therapy
  • Regular follow-up

Research Status

Endoscopic dilation is main treatment. Proton pump inhibitors to prevent recurrence. Treat underlying cause (GERD, EoE). Repeated dilations may be needed. Surgery rarely needed. Self-expanding metal stents for malignant strictures.

Affected Countries

United StatesUnited KingdomCanadaAustraliaGermanyFranceItalySpainJapanBrazilMexicoRussiaChinaIndiaSwedenNorwayFinlandNetherlandsBelgiumSwitzerlandAustriaDenmarkPolandCzech RepublicHungaryRomaniaBulgariaCroatiaSloveniaSlovakiaLTLVEEIrelandPortugalGreeceCYMTLUIcelandNew ZealandSouth KoreaTaiwanSingaporeHong KongMalaysiaThailandIndonesiaPhilippinesVietnamSouth AfricaEgyptTurkeySaudi ArabiaUAEQatarKuwaitBHOmanJordanLebanonSyriaIraqIranPakistanBangladeshLKMMKHLAMNKPUzbekistanKazakhstanKGTJTMAzerbaijanAMGEUkraineBelarusMDALBAMKMESerbiaXK

Sources

  • https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/esophageal-stricture
  • https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15634-esophageal-stricture
  • https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books
  • https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions
  • https://www.crohnscolitisfoundation.org

Medical Disclaimer

This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult healthcare professionals for medical advice, diagnosis, and treatment.