- What are the Potential Complications of Esophageal Dilation?
- Although complications can occur even when the procedure is performed correctly, they are rare when performed by doctors who are specially trained.
- A perforation, or hole, of the esophagus lining occurs in a small percentage of cases and may require surgery.
Thus, How can I naturally widen my esophagus? You can strengthen your esophagus by making certain changes to your lifestyle, such as eating small meals and giving up smoking. These changes help lower your risk of having a narrowed esophagus. Other changes include avoiding foods that trigger acid reflux, such as spicy foods and citrus products.
Additionally What causes esophagus to narrow? The most common cause of an esophageal stricture is long-standing gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), where stomach acid backs up from the stomach into the esophagus and causes esophageal inflammation, which can lead to scarring and narrowing over time.
Can esophageal dilation make reflux worse? Patients also can develop gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) after balloon dilation. Because the LES is the principal barrier that prevents stomach contents from refluxing (backwashing) into the esophagus, LES disruption by balloon dilation can lead to acid reflux.
What can you eat after getting your esophagus stretched? Diet Restrictions No food or drink for four hours after the procedure. After four hours, try clear liquids such as water, broth or ginger ale. If your child can drink the liquids without pain, you may offer him or her soft foods such as mashed potatoes and pudding, as tolerated.
Does your esophagus narrow as you age?
What are esophageal strictures? An esophageal stricture is an abnormal narrowing of the esophagus, a tube-like structure that connects your throat to the stomach. This condition is fairly common and can occur at any age, although it’s most common after age 40.
How do you fix a narrowing esophagus?
Management and Treatment Esophageal dilation is the most common treatment for strictures. Your provider uses a balloon or dilator (a long plastic or rubber cylinder) to widen the narrow area of the esophagus.
Can esophageal dilation cause problems?
What are the Potential Complications of Esophageal Dilation? Although complications can occur even when the procedure is performed correctly, they are rare when performed by doctors who are specially trained. A perforation, or hole, of the esophagus lining occurs in a small percentage of cases and may require surgery.
What are the symptoms of a narrowing esophagus?
What are the symptoms of an esophageal stricture?
- Pain while swallowing (odynophagia)
- Inability to swallow.
- Sensation of food sticking in the throat or chest.
- Drooling.
- Regurgitation (bringing food back up)
- Frequent heartburn.
- Food or stomach acid backs up into the throat.
- Unexpected weight loss.
Can the esophagus heal itself?
A perforation in the uppermost (neck region) part of the esophagus may heal by itself if you do not eat or drink for a period of time. In this case, you will need a stomach feeding tube or another way to get nutrients. Surgery is often needed to repair a perforation in the middle or bottom portions of the esophagus.
What kind of doctor performs esophageal dilation?
Your healthcare provider will likely send you to either an otolaryngologist (ear, nose and throat doctor) or, more likely, a gastroenterologist (stomach and bowel disorder doctor) in order to have this procedure performed.
