digestive disorders
Lower Esophageal Ring
Introduction
A lower esophageal ring narrows the lower esophagus and is most likely present at birth. The Throat and Esophagus is the hollow tube that leads from the throat (pharynx) to the stomach. (See also Some lower esophageal rings may be caused by inflammation of the esophagus due to Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) or pills that are not completely swallowed (erosive esophagitis). Normally, the lower esophagus has a diameter of about ¾ inch (about 2 centimeters). However, it may be narrowed to ½ inch in diameter (about 1¼ centimeters) or less by a ring of tight tissue, which may cause difficulty in swallowing solids. This symptom can begin at any age but usually does not begin until after age 25. The Difficulty Swallowing (dysphagia) comes and goes and is especially aggravated by meat and dry bread. Often, the ring is found when doctors look down the esophagus with a flexible tube ( Endoscopy ) to look for reasons why people are having difficulty swallowing. Chewing food thoroughly followed by taking sips of water usually prevents symptoms. A doctor may fix the narrowing by passing an endoscope through the mouth and throat and into the esophagus or may use a blunt-tipped instrument (called a bougie) to widen the passageway. In rare cases, doctors widen the constricting ring by doing a surgical procedure. 