What is a Schatzki ring?
A Schatzki ring is a ring-shaped narrowing that forms in the lower part of the gullet, where it joins the stomach. It is not cancer and does not turn into cancer.
Because of this narrowing, a feeling of food sticking can occur, especially when swallowing meat, bread and other solid food. In some patients it causes no complaints at all.
Who gets it more often?
- Adults, especially after the age of 40
- People who have had stomach reflux for a long time
- People with a hiatus hernia (hiatal hernia)
Why does it form?
The exact cause of a Schatzki ring is not known. It is thought that it may be linked to stomach acid flowing back into the gullet (reflux) and to hiatus hernia.
What are the symptoms?
The commonest symptom is solid food sticking in the chest on swallowing. Food such as meat and bread swallowed without being chewed well can cause particular trouble.
Sometimes food can become completely stuck in the gullet and emergency treatment may be needed.
How is it diagnosed and treated?
The diagnosis is usually made by gastroscopy or by a barium swallow X-ray of the gullet.
Narrowings that cause complaints can be opened up during gastroscopy with special balloons or dilating instruments. In patients with reflux, drugs that reduce stomach acid may also be recommended.
After treatment the narrowing sometimes comes back.
When should you see a doctor?
If you often feel food sticking when you eat, you are advised to see a gastroenterologist.
If swallowed food becomes completely stuck, or you cannot swallow even your saliva, you should go to the emergency department.
Sources
- Prof. Ali Tüzün İnce, MD — personal endoscopy archive