A narrowed esophagus can be caused by gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
This narrowing may be the reason why you’ve been burping a lot lately or experiencing an unpleasant taste in your mouth.
“Long-term acid exposure at the bottom of the esophagus can cause scarring due to constant inflammation; this is called a stricture,” says Jay Desai, MD, who specializes in colon cancer screening, upper endoscopy and consultative gastroenterology with the Endoscopy Center of New York.
“However, this is much less common today because of the use of more effective antacid medication than in the past, such as omeprazole.”
Though long-term acid reflux is a risk factor for causing the esophagus (“food pipe”) to narrow, there are other risk factors as well for stricture.
These include diverticulosis (pouches in the colon), pain drugs including aspirin, prior surgery to the esophagus, skin diseases and scleroderma.
Symptoms of a Narrowed Esophagus
A narrowed esophagus can lead to a variety of symptoms that affect daily comfort and health.
One common symptom is heartburn, which is often described as a burning or abrasive sensation in the chest or upper abdomen.
In some cases, it may present as a more generalized aching sensation without the typical burning feeling.
Another sign of esophageal narrowing is a bad or bitter taste in the mouth, particularly noticeable in the morning or during the night.
This can occur as stomach acid backs up into the mouth.
Additionally, individuals may experience burping without an obvious cause, such as after drinking carbonated beverages, and frequent hiccups.
Unintentional weight loss might occur as well, which can be attributed to difficulty eating or absorbing nutrients.
However, weight loss may also have other causes, such as untreated type 2 diabetes.
Pain or trouble swallowing. Keep in mind that many unrelated conditions can cause issues related to swallowing.
