Description
 Normal |
 Abnormal |
- The esophagus is the tube that carries food down the chest from the mouth to stomach. When the esophagus becomes inflamed or infected, this is known as esophagitis. Esophagitis may lead to narrowing and scarring of the esophagus, otherwise known as esophageal stricture.
Symptoms
- Gradual difficulty swallowing solid foods
Cause
- Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (Acid Reflux or Indigestion)
How the diagnosis is made
- Barium study of the esophagus
- Endoscopy (scope is passed into the esophagus)
Treatment
- Dilation of the stricture — special balloon dilated in the esophagus
Prevention
- Treat Esophagitis
- H2 blocker medicine (e.g., Zantac) or proton-pump inhibitor (e.g., Prilosec) for acid reflux disease