5 Common Signs of Esophageal Stricture

Most of us don’t give much thought to how we swallow. That’s because usually, swallowing is a simple, natural part of eating — so simple and natural, we do it automatically, without even thinking about it. 

But for people with esophageal stricture, swallowing can be a much more difficult or frustrating process, one that causes an array of uncomfortable symptoms. Caused by issues like chronic heartburn, autoimmune disorders, or even nerve-related problems, esophageal stricture can be treated, and early diagnosis is critical.

At Digestive Disease Specialists in Moline, Illinois, and Bettendorf, Iowa, our team is skilled in diagnosing and managing esophageal stricture, relieving uncomfortable symptoms, and improving swallowing function. 

Here, learn five key symptoms that could mean you have a stricture that needs to be medically evaluated.

1. Difficulty swallowing

Also called dysphagia, swallowing troubles are the hallmark of esophageal strictures. Typically, problems begin with swallowing solid or dry foods, like meat or bread. As swallowing issues progress, you may develop difficulty swallowing soft foods or even liquids. 

This issue develops because the strictures cause narrowing and stiffness that make it harder for food to pass normally into your stomach. Many people with esophageal strictures alter their eating habits as a result, or they develop significant anxiety when mealtime rolls around.

2. Pain when swallowing

In addition to difficulty swallowing, the act of swallowing can be painful (a condition called odynophagia). Pain may feel sharp or cramp-like or accompany burning sensations. You may feel discomfort in your throat or spreading into your breastbone area.

Odynphagia happens when the lining of your esophagus is inflamed, usually due to unmanaged acid reflux or the repeated trauma associated with dysphagia. Some foods may be more likely to trigger discomfort, and the pain can persist even after eating.

3. Regurgitation

Regurgitation happens when food flows backward into your mouth instead of moving into your stomach once you swallow it. While vomiting is more forceful and active, regurgitation is passive, occurring when your esophageal stricture prevents food from entering your stomach, instead sending it backward into your mouth. 

Regurgitation is a common feature of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or chronic heartburn. In addition to being a symptom of esophageal stricture, the repeated backwash of acids and undigested food can damage your esophageal tissues.

Regurgitation doesn’t typically involve nauseous feelings like vomiting does, but it can cause a sour or bitter taste like vomiting. It also increases the likelihood of the next item on this list: choking.

4. Frequent choking or coughing

Esophageal stricture makes it harder for food to move downward into your stomach, increasing your risk of accidentally inhaling food matter. The risk increases with regurgitation, when partially-digested food can leak into your trachea (windpipe), leading to frequent bouts of choking or coughing.

Over time, you may develop a persistent sore throat or your voice may become hoarse. Some people develop anxiety about eating, especially if choking episodes are severe. In turn, anxiety may increase stricture-related problems, including choking.

5. A sensation that food is stuck

Many people with esophageal stricture describe a feeling as if food is stuck in their upper chest area. While definitely uncomfortable, sometimes the sensation is accompanied by sharp or persistent pain, pressure, or tightness that doesn’t go away. 

Some people try to relieve the sensation by vomiting or drinking water, reactions that can increase the risk of choking and may not even help relieve the sticking sensation. Like choking, this symptom can lead to heightened anxiety during mealtime.

Esophageal strictures can be treated, and finding relief begins with a careful diagnosis, including swallowing studies and diagnostic imaging. To learn more about esophageal stricture treatment, book an appointment online or over the phone with Digestive Disease Specialists today.