Causes and Diagnoses

Causes and Diagnoses of an Esophageal Stricture

Esophageal strictures are often caused by a build-up of scar tissues from a variety of conditions and events, including:

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
Eosinophilic esophagitis
Esophageal scleroderma
Treatment for esophageal varices (enlarged veins in the esophagus)
Hiatal hernia
Endoscopy injury
Extensive use of a nasogastric (NG) tube (tube that passes through the esophagus into the stomach)
Swallowing toxic substances, including household cleaners, lye or battery acid

Diagnosis of esophageal stricture will begin with a medical history and physical exam. Tests may include:

Fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES): An endoscope (a thin, lighted tube with a camera attached to it) is passed through your mouth and esophagus. Your physician can look at pictures of your digestive tract and take a biopsy (tissue sample) for examination under a microscope.
Esophagram/barium swallow: Special X-rays are taken of your esophagus after you drink barium, a contrast material that coats your esophagus and shows up well on X-rays.
CT scan: A computed tomography (CT) scan combines X-ray and computer technology to produce detailed cross-sectional images of your esophagus.