How long does it take to recover from esophageal dilation?

Following your dilation, you'll spend anywhere from 30 minutes to two hours recovering before you can go home. Avoid all solid foods for at least two to four hours after your procedure—ingesting liquids, only.

Does having your esophagus stretched hurt?

Little discomfort or pain. Effective at relieving esophageal stricture. Side effects are usually minimal (such as a sore throat) One procedure is usually all that's needed.

How do they fix a narrowed esophagus?

Esophageal dilation is the most common treatment for strictures. Your provider uses a balloon or dilator (a long plastic or rubber cylinder) to widen the narrow area of the esophagus.

What are the side effects of having your esophagus stretched?

There are also possible risks of side effects from sedatives. It is important to recognize early signs of possible complications. If you have chest pain, fever, trouble breathing, difficulty swallowing, bleeding or black bowel movements after the test, tell your doctor immediately.

What causes esophagus to narrow?

The most common cause of an esophageal stricture is long-standing gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), where stomach acid backs up from the stomach into the esophagus and causes esophageal inflammation, which can lead to scarring and narrowing over time.

What type of doctor performs esophageal dilation?

When this occurs, a gastroenterologist needs to dilate, or stretch, the narrowed area by performing an esophageal dilation.

What does narrowing of the esophagus feel like?

The symptoms of esophageal stricture include difficulty swallowing (dysphagia); feeling like food or liquid is getting stuck in your throat; recurrent choking and/or coughing episodes; regurgitation; a burning sensation in the chest, throat, or neck; and dehydration or weight loss.