Structural problems such as rings and webs. A Schatzki's ring is a narrowing at the junction of the esophagus and stomach. It is felt to be related to irritation from acid reflux. Esophageal ulcers, accompanied by scarring and adhesions, may narrow the passage to the stomach enough to cause difficulty swallowing solid foods such as meat or bread. If swallowing is difficult when eating solids but not liquids, then mechanical narrowing or obstruction should be suspected.
Treatment is mainly surgical.
In immunocompromised patients such as patients with AIDS, such infections include cytomega-lovirus, herpes, and fungus. Reflux of stomach acid and contents. Myasthenia gravis, a muscle disorder that may also affect adjacent organs. Scleroderma, a connective tissue disease associated with abnormalities of the esophagus including abnormal motility, reflux, and diverticula. Certain types of strokes, which weaken pharynx swallowing muscles.