What is intestinal strictures?

An intestinal stricture is a narrowing in the intestine that makes it difficult for food to pass through. Sometimes, it can lead to intestinal blockage. At least one-third of people with Crohn’s will develop a stricture within the first 10 years of a diagnosis.

What causes strictures in the intestines?

Fibrotic strictures happen when scar tissue builds up in the bowel from chronic inflammation. They require surgery. One main cause of colon strictures is inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) like Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. A cycle of inflammation and healing leads to scar tissue that narrows the intestine.

How do you treat an intestinal stricture?

When strictures are caused by disease inflammation, initial treatment may typically include medication to help improve the narrowing of the intestines. Surgery may also be a necessary option. Strictureplasty and small bowel resection are two surgical procedures to repair a stricture.

How do you know if you have an intestinal stricture?

Symptoms of strictures include abdominal pain, cramping, and bloating. In serious cases, strictures can progress to the point of causing a complete intestinal obstruction, which may result in nausea, vomiting, abdominal distention, and severe abdominal pain.

Do strictures cause constipation?

Strictures can also block food from passing through the digestive tract. Anal strictures are typically the cause of constipation. “If there’s a stricture in the bowels, it’s generally managed with medications or requires surgery to remove a part of the bowel that’s blocking the passage of food,” says Sewell.

What does an intestinal stricture feel like?

Depending on where the stricture is located, patients with strictures can have blockage symptoms that include nausea and vomiting, abdominal pain, bloating, or the inability to pass gas and stool. Let your doctor know if you have any of these symptoms.

Is a stricture a tumor?

What is benign esophageal stricture? Benign esophageal stricture describes a narrowing or tightening of the esophagus. The esophagus is the tube that brings food and liquids from your mouth to your stomach. “Benign” means it’s not cancerous.

What can I eat with an intestinal stricture?

Cereals containing nuts, seeds or dried fruit (such as muesli, fruit and fibre), shredded wheat, branflakes.

• Vegetables.
• Well cooked or pureed root vegetables like carrots, swede parsnips, tomatoes without skin or pips (e.g tinned deseeded tomatoes), pasta, tomato puree, vegetable juices.
• Beans and pulses.

What do intestinal strictures feel like?

What to eat if you have a stricture?

Fiber-rich foods: oat bran, beans, barley, nuts, and whole grains, unless you have an ostomy, intestinal narrowing, or if your doctor advises you to continue a low-fiber diet due to strictures, or recent surgery. Protein: lean meats, fish, eggs, nuts, and tofu.

Who should not take RestoraLAX?

The safety and efficacy of RestoraLAX® for use in children under 18 years of age have not been established. Do not use in children (18 years of age or under), unless advised by a doctor.