6. Heartburn: The Fiery Sensation that’s More than Just Spicy Food
People often mistake heartburn for a simple reaction to spicy or acidic food. But in the context of esophageal stricture, it’s an unsettling fire alarm signaling that your esophagus is not operating as smoothly as it should. The burning sensation can feel as if someone lit a match right in the middle of your chest and let it smolder.
The mechanics behind heartburn in esophageal stricture can get a bit complex. The esophagus has a little doorway called the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). In cases of esophageal stricture, the LES can’t close properly, which lets stomach acid creep back into the esophagus, causing that stinging burn. It’s like leaving your front door ajar during a snowstorm; you’re asking for trouble.
And it’s not just a physical ordeal; the constant burn can also have psychological repercussions. You start to dread mealtime, anticipating the inevitable discomfort that will follow. It’s akin to feeling nervous before taking a big exam—you know it’s coming, and there’s not much you can do to stop it.(6)
