Schatzki's Ring: Symptoms & Signs

Schatzki's ring refers to a smooth, benign (non-cancerous), circumferential, and narrow ring of tissue in the lower end of the food tube (esophagus), near the junction with the stomach. Schatzki's rings are common.

The majority of Schatzki's rings do not cause symptoms, and people are not aware they are there. As the diameter of these rings shrink, solid, poorly chewed foods can get caught at the level of the ring. This leads to symptoms such as

• chest pain or
• intermittent dysphagia (difficulty swallowing).

When the chunk of food passes into the stomach, symptoms typically subside quickly, allowing the person to resume eating.

Cause of Schatzki's ring

Doctors do not understand the cause of Schatzki's rings. Some doctors believe that they may be partially caused by or related to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

Other schatzki's ring symptoms and signs

• Chest Pain
• Intermittent Dysphagia (Difficulty Swallowing)

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