Question: What Causes an Esophageal Stricture?
Answer: When the lining of the esophagus is damaged, scarring developes. When scarring occurs, the lining of the esophagus becomes stiff. In time, as this scar tissue continues to build up, the esophagus begins to narrow in that area. The result then is swallowing difficulties.
One of the conditions that can lead to esophageal strictures is gastroesophageal reflux disease. Excessive acid is refluxed from the stomach up into the esophagus. This causes an inflammation in the lower part of the esophagus. Scarring will result after repeated inflammatory injury and healing, reinjury and rehealing. This scarring will produce damaged tissue in the form of a ring that narrows the opening of the esophagus.
