What are the other causes of dysphagia for solid food?
The most common causes of dysphagia for solid food are esophageal strictures and Schatzki (lower esophageal) rings. Esophageal strictures are narrowings of the esophagus that result from inflammation and scarring, most commonly from chronic acid reflux. Strictures usually are located in the lower esophagus near the entrance of the esophagus into the stomach where the acid reflux is most severe. Schatzki rings are thin webs of tissue of unclear cause that can narrow the lumen (center) of the esophagus through which food passes. They also are located in the lower esophagus. A less common cause of dysphagia for solid food is esophageal cancer that narrows the esophageal lumen. A still less common cause of dysphagia is disorders of the muscles of the esophagus. For example, achalasia, a disease of the nerves and the muscles of the esophagus that prevents the muscle at the lower end of the esophagus (the lower esophageal sphincter) from relaxing and allowing swallowed food to pass into the
