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WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:
Esophageal stricture is a narrowing of your esophagus. Inflammation or damage to your esophagus may cause scar tissue that leads to narrowing.
WHILE YOU ARE HERE:
is a legal document that explains the tests, treatments, or procedures that you may need. Informed consent means you understand what will be done and can make decisions about what you want. You give your permission when you sign the consent form. You can have someone sign this form for you if you are not able to sign it. You have the right to understand your medical care in words you know. Before you sign the consent form, understand the risks and benefits of what will be done. Make sure all your questions are answered.
You may not be able to eat solid foods for a period of time. You may be allowed to drink water, broth, apple juice, or lemon-lime soft drinks. You may also suck on ice chips or eat gelatin. As you improve, you may be given soft foods to eat or thickened liquids to drink. You may return to eating normal foods as your swallowing gets better.
is a small tube placed in your vein that is used to give you medicine or liquids.
- Antiulcer medicine may be given to decrease stomach acid.
- Antibiotics are given to treat or prevent a bacterial infection.
- Antinausea medicine may be given to calm your stomach and prevent vomiting.
- Pain medicine may be given to decrease pain. Do not wait until the pain is severe before you ask for more medicine.
- A barium swallow is an x-ray of your throat and esophagus. This test may also be called a barium esophagram. You will drink a thick liquid called barium. Barium helps your esophagus and stomach show up better on x-rays.
- An x-ray or CT scan may be taken of your esophagus and stomach. The pictures may show the cause of the narrowing of your esophagus. You may be given contrast dye to help healthcare providers see the pictures better. Tell the healthcare provider if you have ever had an allergic reaction to contrast dye.
- An endoscopy is a procedure used to find the cause of the narrowing of your esophagus. Healthcare providers use an endoscope to examine your esophagus. An endoscope is a bendable tube with a light and camera on the end.
Surgery or procedures may be needed to dilate (widen), repair, or remove a part of your esophagus.
- Your esophagus, stomach, blood vessels, or nerves may get injured during surgery or other treatments. You may have trouble breathing, an infection, or bleeding after surgery. Even after surgery or other treatment, scars may form again and cause further narrowing of the esophagus.
- If left untreated, you may continue to have problems swallowing. You may not be able to get the nutrition needed by your body. You may also be at increased risk for food, liquid, or vomit getting into your lungs. This may cause choking, an infection, or trouble breathing.
CARE AGREEMENT:You have the right to help plan your care. Learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your caregivers to decide what care you want to receive. You always have the right to refuse treatment.
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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.