About this topic
The esophagus is a tube which passes food from the mouth to the stomach. When the esophagus narrows through the buildup of scar tissue, this condition is called an esophageal stricture. It can cause problems with swallowing. Other signs could include weight loss or reflux of foods and liquids. ‚
Treatment includes trying to stretch the esophagus and drugs. ‚
What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
- Suck on ice chips or a popsicle to help with throat pain.
- You may need to start eating soft foods like soups and pureed fruits and vegetables. You can start eating solid foods when your doctor tells you to.
- Avoid eating late at night, as that is when reflux could be worse.
What follow-up care is needed?
- Your condition needs close monitoring. Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits.
- Your doctor will tell you if other tests are needed.
- If your doctor stretches or dilates your esophagus, you may need to have it done again if the stricture remains.
- Your doctor may send you to a speech pathologist if needed. They can teach you a safer way to swallow.
- Your doctor may send you to a dietician. They can tell you what foods you can and cannot eat.
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Help with pain
- Prevent infection
- Control acid production
Will physical activity be limited?
You may have to limit your activity. Talk to your doctor about the right amount of activity for you. ‚
What changes to diet are needed?
- Stay away from foods that may bother your throat.
- Avoid eating foods that are too hard to chew and may be too hard to swallow.
- Make sure that foods you are eating, like soups and hot drinks, are not too hot.
- Learn what foods make your acid reflux worse, and avoid them.
What problems could happen?
- Food can get stuck inside the esophagus
- Choking
- Weight loss
- Food or fluid can enter the lungs and cause infection. This is aspiration pneumonia.
- Stricture can come back
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
- If you have signs of reflux, like constantly tasting something acidic in your mouth and burning pain in the chest, call your doctor.
- Stop smoking. Stay away from second- and third-hand smoke.
- Keep household chemicals and cleaning solutions in a safe cabinet. Never move chemicals to water bottles.
- If you have any swallowing problems after esophagus surgery, call your doctor right away.
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Throat pain not relieved by drugs
- Throwing up with or without blood
- Problems keeping any food or liquids down
- Problems burping or hiccuping
- Chest pain
- Sudden breathing problems
- Swallowing problems
- Voice hoarseness
- You are not feeling better in 2 to 3 days or you are feeling worse
Teach Back: Helping You Understand
The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚
- I can tell you about my procedure.
- I can tell you what changes I need to make with my diet or drugs.
- I can tell you what I will do if I am throwing up, have problems keeping food down, or have trouble breathing.
Where can I learn more?
American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy ‚
http://www.asge.org/patients/patients.aspx?id=392 ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚