Symptoms
If you experience any of these symptoms, do not assume it is due to esophageal stricture. These symptoms may be caused by other, less serious health conditions. If you experience any one of them, see your doctor.
Symptoms include:
- Difficulty swallowing
- Pain when swallowing
- Unintentional weight loss
- Regurgitation of food (when food flows back from the stomach into the esophagus or mouth)
Diagnosis
Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical exam. You may need to see a doctor who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the gastrointestinal tract and liver (gastroenterologist). The gastrointestinal tract includes the mouth, esophagus, stomach, duodenum, small intestine, large intestine (colon), rectum, and anus.
Tests may include:
- Barium swallow —a series of x-rays of the esophagus during and after drinking a barium solution
- Endoscopy—examination of the esophagus using a lighted, flexible instrument called an endoscope