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Narrowed esophagus or pouch (stricture, web, or diverticulum)

Also called: Esophageal stricture, Schatzki ring, esophageal web, Zenker's diverticulum

A narrowed spot or a small pouch in the esophagus that makes food stick, especially meat or bread. Stretching the narrowed area during an endoscopy usually helps.

Main signFood sticking when swallowing
Common causeLong-term acid reflux
TreatmentStretching (dilation)

Overview

A Zenker's diverticulum is a pouch in the throat that can cause bad breath and bringing up old food.

Symptoms

Common signs:

  • Food sticks when swallowing
  • Food getting stuck in the chest or throat

Less common

  • Heartburn
  • Bringing food back up
  • Bad breath

When to get medical care

Call 911Food stuck and can't swallow saliva: go to the ER.
Get care todayWeight loss or vomiting blood.
See a doctor soonFood sticking.

Causes

Reflux scarring, rings, pouches.

Does it spread or run in families?

  • It isn't contagious. You can't catch it from someone else.

Who is more likely to get it

  • Long-term reflux

Possible complications

Diagnosis

Tests look at the esophagus.

Questions you may be asked

  • Which foods stick
  • Heartburn

Tests

Tests, if needed:

  • Endoscopy:
  • Barium swallow:

Treatment

Eat carefully.

Self-care

  • Take small bites and chew well
  • Sip water with meals
  • Avoid dry meats and bread until treated

Medicines

Medicines that may help:

MedicineHelps withGood to know
Acid reducers
Reflux-related narrowing

OwieClear doesn't give doses: follow the label or your healthcare professional. Medicine names here are examples, not a full list.

Dilation during endoscopy; surgery for a large pouch.

Prevention

To prevent:

  • Treat reflux

Which doctor treats this

  • Start with your primary care provider (family doctor or internist).
  • They may send you to a gastroenterologist (stomach and gut doctor).

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

  • If you're pregnant or planning to be, tell your prenatal provider about this condition.
  • Don't start or stop any medicine on your own. Some are safe in pregnancy and some need to be changed.
  • Ask before taking any pain reliever. The FDA advises avoiding ibuprofen and naproxen after 20 weeks unless your doctor says to.
  • Breastfeeding: Most medicines are fine, but ask. The NIH LactMed database lists what's known about each one.

Outlook

Treatable.

Research studies

Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.

Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Narrowed esophagus or pouch (stricture, web, or diverticulum)

Sources

Last updated 2026-11-12.