1.9K Reviews | 4.7 Star Rating | 20+ years of experience | 72k+ Patients Treated
Esophageal Strictures Gastroenterologist
Esophageal strictures decrease in size of your food pipe that makes swallowing painful and affects your quality of life. Dr. Scott will provide you with both the professional diagnosis and treatment, his personal plans and help you enjoy your meals comfortably, show better digestion, and feel better under the care of GastroDoxs in Houston.
Dr. Scott Liu, MD, is a board-certified gastroenterologist with over six years of experience and a background in military medicine. He earned his medical degree from the University of Maryland, Baltimore, completed his Internal Medicine residency at Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, and finished his Gastroenterology fellowship through the National Capital Consortium. Dr. Liu provides comprehensive care for a broad range of digestive conditions, including abdominal pain, acid reflux, liver disease, chronic diarrhea, and colon cancer screening. He is a member of the American College of Gastroenterology and is known for his disciplined, patient-focused approach and clear communication.
Common Causes and Risk Factors
Acid reflux (GERD) - long-term acid exposure scars and narrows the esophagus
Infections or injuries - chronic inflammation can lead to tightening
Past surgeries or endoscopic procedures - scar tissue formation
Radiation therapy - often to the chest or neck area
Autoimmune conditions - for example, eosinophilic esophagitis
Age - more common in adults over 40
Other risks - smoking, obesity, and certain medications
Signs and Symptoms
Trouble swallowing food or liquids (dysphagia)
Feeling like food gets “stuck” in the chest
Unexplained weight loss
Persistent heartburn or acid regurgitation
Chest pain or pressure
Frequent throat clearing or coughing
How Dr. Scott Diagnoses This Condition?
Dr. Scott uses a step-by-step approach:
Medical History & Exam
He examines your symptoms of swallowing, history of reflux and weight swings and previous surgeries, radiation.
Barium Swallow X-ray
A comparison analysis that outlines places of constriction or abnormalities in your esophagus.
Upper Endoscopy
Upper Endoscopy
An elastic range allows Dr. Scott to directly view the stricture and in many cases dilation can be done instantly.
Biopsy (if needed)
A small tissue sample can be performed to exclude eosinophilic esophagitis, malignancy or otherwise.
Treatment
Our Team offers a full range of care for esophageal strictures.
Lifestyle and Dietary Modifications
Consume small meals, which are soft in order to swallow.
Swallow food gradually and chew.
Don’t eat spice, acidic or crunchy foods.
Lie down with the head raised up to minimize spillage.
Keep fit to decrease acid exposures.
Medications
Proton inhibitor anti-acid to lower stomach acid.
H2 blockers to treat mild heartburns.
The topical steroids in the case of eosinophilic esophagitis.
Pre meal muscle relaxants on demand.
Minimal or Advanced Surgeries
To stretch constricted 3s in the esophagus.
More severe narrowing placement of stents.
Endoscopic resection of damaged tissue by means of mucosal resections.
Dr. Scott Liu, MD, is a board-certified gastroenterologist with over six years of experience and a background in military medicine. He earned his medical degree from the University of Maryland, Baltimore, completed his Internal Medicine residency at Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, and finished his Gastroenterology fellowship through the National Capital Consortium. Dr. Liu provides comprehensive care for a broad range of digestive conditions, including abdominal pain, acid reflux, liver disease, chronic diarrhea, and colon cancer screening. He is a member of the American College of Gastroenterology and is known for his disciplined, patient-focused approach and clear communication.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the ICD-10 code of esophagus stricture?
It's K22.2.
What is the duration of an esophagic dilation?
Around 15-30 minutes. Majority of the patients are discharged the same day.
Is esophageal stricture curable?
A lot of individuals treat symptoms on a long-term basis. There are cases when multiple dilation is required.
Can GERD cause strictures?
Yes. One of the most widespread causes is acid reflux.
What foods should I avoid?
Avoid hard, dry, spicy, or acid food that is difficult to swallow.
Am I going to be put under in the endoscopy?
Yes. You shall receive some light tranquilization to make you suspicious.
Is this condition dangerous?
By no means, but strictures without treatment may have severe consequences, such as loss of weight or choking.
Related Blogs
The Difference Between a Bellyache and Abdominal Pain
