Esophageal Rings And Webs

What Is It?

Esophageal rings and webs are folds that block your esophagus either partially or completely. Rings are bands of normal esophageal tissue that form constrictions around the inside of the esophagus. Webs are thin layers of cells that grow across the inside of the esophagus. Esophageal rings and webs usually occur in the upper esophagus, and may make it difficult to swallow solid food.

Experts aren't sure what causes esophageal rings and webs. The condition may be congenital (inherited) or may develop after birth. People with esophageal rings and webs commonly have acid reflux symptoms. When iron deficiency anemia and esophageal rings or webs occur together, the condition is known as Plummer-Vinson syndrome.

Symptoms

Most esophageal rings and webs do not cause any symptoms, and are discovered when people have barium X-rays or endoscopy for unrelated reasons. When rings or webs do cause symptoms, difficulty swallowing solids is the most common complaint. Foods, especially meats and breads, may feel like they get stuck in the same place.

Food can occasionally become lodged in the esophagus and may require you to spit it back up. If this occurs frequently, you may have developed a new problem such as a stricture, which is a fixed, firm narrowing of the esophagus.