What is Schatzki's ring?
A Schatzki's ring is a ring of tissue that forms inside the esophagus, the tube that carries food and liquid to your stomach. This ring makes the esophagus narrow in one area, close to where it meets the stomach. It can make it hard to swallow. You may feel like food gets stuck in your esophagus.
Doctors aren't sure exactly what causes these rings.
How is Schatzki's ring diagnosed?
Your doctor may check your esophagus if you are having trouble swallowing or if you feel like food is getting stuck. The doctor will use a tool called an endoscope, or scope. It's a thin, flexible, lighted viewing tool. It goes into the mouth and down the throat. Your doctor can use it to check for any problems. The scope can also be used to take a sample of tissue to test (biopsy).
You might need an X-ray. For the X-ray, you may need to swallow a substance, such as barium, that makes it easier to see what happens in your esophagus.
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