Peptic Stricture

Damage to the lining of the esophagus over time may cause a narrowing of the esophagus called a peptic stricture. Patients with a stricture will notice difficulty swallowing, with food "sticking."

A stricture may be diagnosed by asking a patient to swallow some dye and taking an X-ray or by upper endoscopy. If a stricture is present, treating the reflux with medications may not be enough, and stretching the narrowed area (dilatation) may be needed.