Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
Is Stiffness In The Esophagus During EGD And Dilation Procedures Normal?
Question: I was told my Dr. felt a stiffness in the distal part of my esophagus during an EGD and dilation. What does this mean ? What causes it ? What does it signify ?
I was having the EGD for dilation of esophagus for dysphagia. I have had chronic cough for several months, to the point of vomiting. I have allergies and asthma. on steroid inhaler and rescue inhaler. I take allergy shots. I I have a tickle in the back of my throat that comes and goes at random, produces severe cough where I feel like I will choke. the stiffness in distal esophagus was noted during EGD.
also would like your opinion on this chronic debilitating cough please. Thank you.
I was having the EGD for dilation of esophagus for dysphagia. I have had chronic cough for several months, to the point of vomiting. I have allergies and asthma. on steroid inhaler and rescue inhaler. I take allergy shots. I I have a tickle in the back of my throat that comes and goes at random, produces severe cough where I feel like I will choke. the stiffness in distal esophagus was noted during EGD.
also would like your opinion on this chronic debilitating cough please. Thank you.
Brief Answer:
Possibly GERD, rule out scleroderma
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thank you for trusting HCM
The symptoms of excessive cough, dysphagia raises the concern for GERD (gastro esophageal reflux disease). GERD occurs due to stomach acid refluxing back up the esophagus. Prolonged GERD can cause esophageal strictures resulting in dysphagia.
Here are few measures you can try to help with GERD symptoms
Avoid spicy, fatty, and fried foods as well as chocolates and carbonated drinks.
Avoid citrus-containing foods like tomatoes, oranges, and fruit juices.
Eat multiple small portions of food rather than three large meals.
Limit caffeine intake.
Have your dinner at least two hours before bedtime, so that your stomach is light before you go to bed.
Elevate the head end of the bed by placing wooden blocks under the bed post. Using extra pillows will not provide relief.
Avoid cigarette smoking and alcohol consumption.
Maintain a healthy weight.
Take one pantoprazole 40 mg every day before breakfast
Since your doctor suggested that she notices esophageal stiffness during endoscopy, possible scleroderma should also be ruled out. Stiffness indicates that the esophagus is nonresilient. Scleroderma is an autoimmune disorder that has a positive association with esophageal dysmotility, stiffness, and GERD. Blood investigations targeting for specific scleroderma antibodies can confirm the diagnosis.
Please be advised to follow up with your physician for discussing this possibility.
Hope I was able to help you
Please address further questions here
Regards
Dr.Lekshmi
Possibly GERD, rule out scleroderma
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thank you for trusting HCM
The symptoms of excessive cough, dysphagia raises the concern for GERD (gastro esophageal reflux disease). GERD occurs due to stomach acid refluxing back up the esophagus. Prolonged GERD can cause esophageal strictures resulting in dysphagia.
Here are few measures you can try to help with GERD symptoms
Avoid spicy, fatty, and fried foods as well as chocolates and carbonated drinks.
Avoid citrus-containing foods like tomatoes, oranges, and fruit juices.
Eat multiple small portions of food rather than three large meals.
Limit caffeine intake.
Have your dinner at least two hours before bedtime, so that your stomach is light before you go to bed.
Elevate the head end of the bed by placing wooden blocks under the bed post. Using extra pillows will not provide relief.
Avoid cigarette smoking and alcohol consumption.
Maintain a healthy weight.
Take one pantoprazole 40 mg every day before breakfast
Since your doctor suggested that she notices esophageal stiffness during endoscopy, possible scleroderma should also be ruled out. Stiffness indicates that the esophagus is nonresilient. Scleroderma is an autoimmune disorder that has a positive association with esophageal dysmotility, stiffness, and GERD. Blood investigations targeting for specific scleroderma antibodies can confirm the diagnosis.
Please be advised to follow up with your physician for discussing this possibility.
Hope I was able to help you
Please address further questions here
Regards
Dr.Lekshmi
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Yogesh D
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
