10 Causes of Dysphagia
Cause #4: Esophageal Web
Esophageal webs refer to thin membranes that may occur anywhere along the esophagus and can result in dysphagia and odynophagia. The esophageal webs are normal esophageal tissue that may cause obstruction in the esophagus. Congenital webs are usually seen in the middle and lower third of the esophagus. However, acquired webs are much more common and are usually seen in the postcricoid region (behind the cartilage that surround the trachea).
Esophageal webs are mainly associated with Plummer-Vinson syndrome. Diagnosis can be confirmed using a barium swallow test. Treatment involves endoscopic dilation of the webs.
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