GERD Complication: Esophageal Stricture

Although most people will suffer from heartburn at least once in their life, frequent heartburn should be taken seriously. If you experience heartburn or acid reflux two or more times a week, you may be suffering from GERD. GERD, or gastroesophageal reflux disease, can lead to serious health complications if left untreated, including an esophageal stricture. Find out more about this condition and how it can be treated and prevented.

An esophageal stricture is a narrowing of the esophagus, the tube that connects your mouth and stomach. The esophagus becomes narrow because of scar tissue that has become hard. This narrowing can make it difficult to eat or drink. An esophageal stricture may also contain cancerous cells, and therefore should be diagnosed and treated as soon as possible.

How does GERD cause an esophageal stricture?

The lining of your esophagus is not designed to protect against erosive digestive acids. When acid reflux occurs, these stomach acids are flowing into your esophagus and damaging the soft tissues that line the tube. The more this occurs, the greater the chance of having scar tissue develop, harden, build up and cause a narrowing of the esophagus opening.

Can an esophageal stricture be treated?

In addition to controlling the underlying problems that caused the stricture to develop in the first place, a doctor will also want to widen the opening of the esophagus. This can be done with dilation, which uses a balloon or stent to widen the esophagus; ablation, which uses thermal energy or gas; cautery, which burns the excess abnormal cells in the esophagus; or laser therapy, which is also designed to get rid of abnormal cells.

Contact your doctor if you experience frequent heartburn, a bitter or acid taste in your mouth, black or tarry stools, chronic coughing, difficulty breathing, trouble swallowing, or vomiting blood. These may be signs of an esophageal stricture.