It can become blocked or injured in a variety of ways.
Esophageal dilation is the technique used to stretch or open the blocked portion of the esophagus.
The J-shaped stomach secretes a potential acid and churns food into small particles. The food then enters the duodenum, or small bowel, where bile from the liver and digestive juices from the pancreas mix with it to help the digestive process. There are several causes of blockage or stricture of the esophagus. The physician's first job is to find the reason for the stricture or narrowing. The answer can usually be provided by the medical history, physical exam, x-rays and an upper endoscopy.