Lower Esophageal RingSymptoms, Doctors, Treatments, Advances & More
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.
Gastrointestinal Associates Of NE Tennessee, P.C.
. Dr. Goenka is rated as a Distinguished provider by MediFind in the treatment of Lower Esophageal Ring. He is also highly rated in 66 other conditions, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Childhood Volvulus, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Portal Hypertension, Gastrectomy, and Gastrostomy. Dr. Goenka is board certified in American Board Of Internal Medicine and American Board Of Gastroenterology.
Gastrointestinal Associates Of NE Tennessee, P.C.
. Dr. Mckinney is rated as a Distinguished provider by MediFind in the treatment of Lower Esophageal Ring. He is also highly rated in 60 other conditions, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Swallowing Difficulty, Portal Hypertension, Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), Gastrectomy, and Endoscopy. Dr. Mckinney is board certified in American Board Of Internal Medicine.
Sullivan Digestive Center
. Dr. Sullivan is rated as a Distinguished provider by MediFind in the treatment of Lower Esophageal Ring. He is also highly rated in 37 other conditions, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), Swallowing Difficulty, Painful Swallowing, and Gastritis. Dr. Sullivan is board certified in American Board Of Internal Medicine.
Swallowing problems may return. You may need repeat treatment.
Contact your health care provider if you have swallowing problems.
Published Date: October 30, 2024
Published By: Jenifer K. Lehrer, MD, Gastroenterologist, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. 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.