The following symptoms may be experienced by those who have a benign esophageal stricture: Sucking becomes challenging or uncomfortable. Food becomes lodged in the throat. Food returning from the stomach to the mouth after it has gone through the esophagus feels like it is full of rocks. Pain with eating or swallowing. Narrowing of the esophagus that remains for long periods of time can cause problems with eating and drinking. The severity of these problems depends on how far down the esophagus the stricture occurs. A mild narrowing of the esophagus that affects only part of the circumference of the organ can usually be treated without surgery. However, if the stricture extends so far that it blocks the opening of the esophagus, then surgical repair is needed. Benign esophageal strictures can develop as a result of inflammation from reflux disease, tuberculosis, or scar tissue from previous surgeries. For some people, the cause of the stricture cannot be determined. In such cases, it is called idiopathic or primary esophageal stricture. People who suffer from these disorders often experience pain when swallowing food that forces them to eat slowly which can lead to malnutrition. In some cases, doctors may not be able to determine the cause of the stricture.