Lower Esophageal Ring Overview
Learn About Lower Esophageal Ring
A lower esophageal ring is an abnormal ring of tissue that forms where the esophagus (the tube from the mouth to the stomach) and stomach meet.
Esophagogastric ring; Schatzki's ring; Dysphagia - esophageal ring; Swallowing problems - esophageal ring
A lower esophageal ring is a narrowing of the esophagus that occurs in a small number of people. The cause of the problem is unclear, but many believe that it is caused by acid reflux.
Narrowing of the esophagus may also be caused by:
- Injury
- Tumors
- Esophageal stricture
For most people, a lower esophageal ring does not cause symptoms.
The most common symptom is the feeling that food (especially solid food) is stuck in the lower neck or under the breastbone (sternum).
A device called a dilator is passed through the narrowed area to stretch the ring. Sometimes, a balloon is placed in the area and inflated, to help widen (dilate) the ring.
Triad Health Services LLC
Richard Marina is a Gastroenterologist in Youngstown, Ohio. Dr. Marina and is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Lower Esophageal Ring. His top areas of expertise are Crohn's Disease, Diverticular Disease, Painful Swallowing, Endoscopy, and Colonoscopy.
Mercy Health Physicians Youngstown Specialty Care LLC
Adrian Ieraci is a Family Medicine provider in North Lima, Ohio. Dr. Ieraci and is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Lower Esophageal Ring. His top areas of expertise are Vitamin D Deficiency, High Potassium Level, Hypothyroidism, High Cholesterol, and Ureteroscopy. Dr. Ieraci is currently accepting new patients.
Upmc Community Medicine Inc
Hitendra Patel is a Gastroenterologist in Hermitage, Pennsylvania. Dr. Patel and is rated as a Distinguished provider by MediFind in the treatment of Lower Esophageal Ring. His top areas of expertise are Esophagitis, Lower Esophageal Ring, Benign Esophageal Stricture, Gastrectomy, and Endoscopy.
Swallowing problems may return. You may need repeat treatment.
Contact your health care provider if you have swallowing problems.
Published Date: October 31, 2022
Published By: Michael M. Phillips, MD, Emeritus Professor of Medicine, The George Washington University School of Medicine, Washington, DC. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
DeVault KR. Symptoms of esophageal disease. In: Feldman M, Friedman LS, Brandt LJ, eds. Sleisenger and Fordtran's Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease. 11th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 13.
Madanick RD, Kaila V. Anatomy, histology, embryology, and developmental anomalies of the esophagus. In: Feldman M, Friedman LS, Brandt LJ, eds. Sleisenger and Fordtran's Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease. 11th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 43.