Are you struggling with swallowing food? Are you tired of drinking water just to push food down your esophagus? This is an alarming situation and can damage your esophagus. There could be many reasons why you have difficulty in swallowing, however, there is now a solution called esophageal dilation that helps clear off obstruction in your food pipe.
This blog will give you the details on why people need esophageal dilation and how it works.
What You Should Know About Esophageal Dilation?
Esophageal dilation is a medical procedure in which the specialist expands or stretches the narrow part of your esophagus. The broadening of the tube is done by some flexible dilators or a balloon-like device.
The specialist closely performs this treatment during an endoscopy under the effect of anesthesia or local numbing.
Important note: While esophageal dilation works on the symptoms like problems in swallowing, discomfort, it cannot treat the root cause or the underlying disease. You may need proper evaluation from a physician to rule out the disease causing these symptoms.
When Do Doctors Recommend Esophageal Dilation?
The following conditions require the need for esophageal dilation:
Tube Construction Due To Acid Reflux
Having chronic acid reflux often damages the lining of your esophagus. This may cause scar tissues to form over time. As a result these scars narrow the lining and make swallowing difficult.
Tightening Of The Tissue Bands
Aging or any medical condition often causes tissue bands to develop in the esophagus. These bands need to be relaxed and esophageal dilation offers the best method to do it.
After Any Injury Or Radiotherapy
Drama to your throat or radiation therapy especially in cancer patients often causes the esophagus to become malfunctioning and disturb swallowing. To reverse this effect, esophageal dilation is often done in routine practice.
Esophageal Inflammation
Esophagitis or esophageal inflammation stiffens up the esophagus. With the help of dilation you can feel relaxed while swallowing.
Is Esophageal Dilation Painful?
The good news is that esophageal dilation is not painful most of the time. This is because before the procedure, the specialist will numb your throat or may also provide sedation methods to relax you down during the procedure. After the procedure some patients may experience sore throat but this discomfort generally fades away in a few hours.
The Last Message
If swallowing is a struggle for you then note that, not anymore! Esophageal dilation is a very effective method to relax the pathway of your esophageal tube. It allows you to resume your daily eating normally. Due to the complexity of the procedure patients may require regular follow-ups and should maintain an ongoing care.
Have gastric problems but don’t know where to go? At Gastroenterology Diagnostic Center we offer all solutions to your GIT problems. We offer services including diagnosis as well as their profound treatments from the top gastroenterologists. Schedule your evaluation with us today by calling us at (281) 357-1977.