Esophageal Stricture: What It Is and How to Deal With It

Ever feel like food gets stuck in your chest? That could be an esophageal stricture – a narrowing of the tube that carries food from your mouth to your stomach. It’s not rare, and the good news is you can often fix it or keep it from getting worse.

Why the Esophagus Gets Narrowed

Most strictures form after long‑term acid reflux. Stomach acid repeatedly irritates the lining, and scar tissue builds up, tightening the passage. Other causes include swallowing injuries, infections, or even certain medications that irritate the esophagus.

If you have GERD and take medicines like omeprazole (Prilosec) without proper guidance, you might lower the risk of damage. But untreated reflux is a common road to a stricture, so keeping acid under control is a key step.

Spotting the Warning Signs

Typical symptoms are:

• Difficulty swallowing solid foods but liquids flow fine
• Feeling of food getting stuck in the chest
• Regurgitating food or liquid
• Unexplained weight loss
• Chest pain that isn’t heart‑related

If any of these show up, see a doctor sooner rather than later. Early diagnosis means less invasive treatment.

Doctors usually confirm a stricture with an endoscopy – a tiny camera slides down the throat to see the narrowing. They might also do a barium swallow X‑ray.

How to Treat an Esophageal Stricture

The first line of treatment is dilation. Using a balloon or a series of thin tubes, the doctor gently stretches the scar tissue. Most people need a few sessions, spaced weeks apart. Dilation works well for short, simple strictures.

When dilation isn’t enough, medication can help. Proton‑pump inhibitors (PPIs) like omeprazole reduce acid production, allowing the esophagus to heal. In some cases, steroids are sprayed during endoscopy to limit scar formation.

For long or complex strictures, surgery may be required. Options include removing the narrowed segment and stitching the ends together, or creating a new pathway (called a “resection”). Surgery has higher risks, so doctors reserve it for cases where other methods fail.

Living With a Stricture – Everyday Tips

While you’re getting treatment, make some simple changes:

• Eat soft foods – soups, smoothies, cooked veggies – especially after a dilation.
• Chew each bite thoroughly; aim for 20‑30 chews before swallowing.
• Avoid very hot, cold, or spicy foods that can irritate the lining.
• Stay upright for at least an hour after meals to reduce reflux.
• Follow your doctor’s medication schedule; don’t skip PPIs if they’re prescribed.

Most people see big improvement within a few weeks of proper care. Keep an eye on symptoms, and let your doctor know if food starts getting stuck again.

Remember, an esophageal stricture is manageable. With the right mix of medical treatment, lifestyle tweaks, and regular check‑ups, you can enjoy meals without the scary feeling of food getting stuck.