Oesophageal rings or webs are thin, membranous folds of tissue that form in the oesophagus. These structures make the oesophagus narrower, blocking it either partially or fully.<\/p>\n
The oesophagus is the tube that joins the mouth and throat to the stomach. Rings or webs can form anywhere in the oesophagus, but they are more common in the upper part of the oesophagus, which is closest to the throat.<\/p>\n
The exact cause of oesophageal webs is unknown, but several factors may be involved with one of them being genetics. Others are thought to be associated with developmental abnormalities, iron deficiencies, inflammation or autoimmune disorders.<\/p>\n
The medical conditions which are commonly associated with oesophageal webs include:<\/p>\n
Without enough iron, the blood cells can\u2019t carry oxygen to the body\u2019s tissue. This causes symptoms such as exhaustion and fatigue. Women are at a greater risk of developing iron deficiency anaemia.<\/p>\n
Plummer-Vinson syndrome (PVS) is a term that is used to describe iron deficiency anaemia that occurs alongside dysphagia and oesophageal rings and webs. It mostly affects women who are middle-aged or older. PVS is associated with the development of squamous cell carcinoma, which is a type of skin cancer.<\/p>\n
The most common symptom of an oesophageal web is difficulty in swallowing, and this is known as dysphagia. Dysphagia is also a symptom of a number of other conditions and experiencing it does not mean that you have an oesophageal web.<\/p>\n
Oesophageal rings or webs can make a person feel like they\u2019re about to choke when swallowing food. In other cases, they can make it difficult to swallow other substances such as liquids or pills.<\/p>\n
Swallowed foods such as breads or meats might get caught in the web, creating a sensation that you have something stuck in your chest. You might cough so as to try to dislodge the food.<\/p>\n
Dysphagia is associated with weight loss because difficulties in swallowing can make it hard to eat enough.<\/p>\n
Other symptoms associated with oesophageal webs include:<\/p>\n
Treatment of an oesophageal ring or web usually depends on the symptoms and cause. Oesophageal webs that do not cause symptoms usually do not require treatment. Individuals with mild symptoms may find that eating cutting food into smaller pieces or eating softer food is enough to relieve symptoms.<\/p>\n
The outlook for individuals with oesophageal rings or webs with or without PVS is very good. Most individuals make a full recovery. After oesophageal dilation, symptoms such as difficulty swallowing usually disappear completely.<\/p>\n
Oesophageal stenosis (oesophageal stricture) is the narrowing or tightening of the oesophagus, the tube that brings food and liquids from the mouth to the stomach. The condition is caused by surgical procedures, chronic inflammation, trauma, radiation, cancer, or it can be congenital (present at birth).<\/p>\n
Any narrowing of the oesophagus can interrupt normal swallowing mechanisms causing difficulty in swallowing (dysphagia). The ability to pass food and liquid through the oesophagus can become impaired and create the inability to swallow or produce the feeling of fullness in the chest. Some people notice a pressure-like sensation that causes a shortness of breath which can either last for a short time, or prolonged time thereby requiring immediate medical attention.<\/p>\n
It is believed that accidentally swallowing harsh chemicals, overproduction of stomach acid and other irritants can cause significant amount of damage to the esophageal lining leading to esophagitis (inflammation) and scar tissue. Repeated injury over time can cause the oesophagus to narrow to the point that prevents food and fluids from reaching the stomach.<\/p>\n
Other causes of oesophageal stenosis (stricture) include:<\/p>\n
Frequent exposure to damaging stomach acid allows for the formation of scar tissue that will eventually narrow the oesophagus. People who are most at risk are those who suffer from GERD where the lower oesophageal sphincter can fail to tighten or close properly. This allows stomach acid to reflux (flow backwards) into the oesophagus and create a burning sensation that is felt in the lower chest that is typically described as heartburn.<\/p>\n
The type of symptoms which are felt by the person suffering from oesophageal stenosis usually depend on the degree of the stricture, its location and cause. However, common oesophageal stenosis (stricture) symptoms include:<\/p>\n
Many of the symptoms can cause significant complications if the oesophageal stricture is not properly treated. This includes dense and solid foods becoming lodged deep within the oesophagus due to its narrowing. This can cause difficulty in breathing, sensation of chocking or chocking itself.<\/p>\n
Other complications include dehydration and malnutrition because the person is not able to consume enough food and fluids due to the difficulty in swallowing. Without effective treatment, the person can experience pulmonary aspiration when food, fluid or vomit enters the lungs. If this condition goes uncorrected, the person will likely develop aspiration pneumonia \u2013 a bacterial infection that develops around the food, fluid or vomit that backed up into the lung.<\/p>\n
Oesophageal stenosis (stricture) can be first diagnosed after the patient discusses symptoms with their doctor. The doctor collects a detailed medical history and performs a comprehensive physical examination. If the doctor suspects stenosis of the oesophagus, he\/she will likely refer the patient to a gastroenterologist who is an expert in G.I so as to rule out malignancy and confirm the diagnosis after a series of tests which include:<\/p>\n
Treatment for oesophageal stenosis depends on the underlying cause and severity of the condition. The treatments include:<\/p>\n
At King\u2019s College Hospital Dubai, we focus on offering an exemplary service from initial consultation through to the final diagnosis and treatment and beyond. Our team of expert doctors and nurses are here to offer tailored management and treatment of your condition, and to answer any questions that you might have throughout your time with us. Whatever you need us for, we\u2019re only a phone-call away.<\/p>\n
If you\u2019d like to book an appointment, simply fill in the appointment form below.<\/p>\n