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Blocked esophagus

If you have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), the tube (esophagus) that carries food from your mouth to your stomach may become narrower or blocked. Doctors call this blockage an esophageal stricture.

It happens because the esophagus is sore or damaged (
 
 
 
 
 
inflammation
If your skin or some other part of your body becomes red, swollen, hot or sore, we say it is inflamed. It means that your body is trying to protect you from germs, from something in your body tissues that can hurt you (like a thorn or sliver), or from things that cause allergies (allergens). Inflammation is part of the way the body heals an infection or injury.
 
 
 
 
 
inflamed) or has scars from sores that have healed. Scarring blocks the esophagus in about 1 in 10 people who have GERD.
 
 
 
 
 
Source:
Kaynard A, Flora K.
Gastroesophageal reflux disease: control of symptoms, prevention of complications.
Postgraduate Medicine. 2001; 110: 42-44, 47-48, 51-53.
 
 
 
 
 
1

The blockage makes it difficult for food to pass through. And you may find it difficult to swallow, or it may hurt when you swallow.

Sources for the information on this page:
  1. Kaynard A, Flora K.Gastroesophageal reflux disease: control of symptoms, prevention of complications.Postgraduate Medicine. 2001; 110: 42-44, 47-48, 51-53.
This information was last updated on Jan 07, 2009
BMJ Group
This information is for educational use only, and is not a substitute for prompt professional medical advice. Readers should always consult a physician or other professional for advice and treatment.
© BMJ Publishing Group Limited 2009. All rights reserved.