Stenosis comes in different forms that can affect a variety of different areas of the human body. Causes of stenosis include inflammation, tumors, and even arteriosclerosis. The best-known stenoses in this regard are ear canal stenosis, pyloric stenosis, aortic valve stenosis, carotid stenosis and coronary stenosis.
Ear canal stenosis
Auditory canal stenosis is a narrowing of the external auditory canal. A distinction is made here between congenital stenosis and later acquired ear canal stenosis. They usually originate from the cartilaginous portion of the ear canal or the bony portion. However, stenosis can also originate from the lining skin of the ear canal. The causes of ear canal stenosis are mainly inflammations and tumors. But also scar shrinkage after surgery or exostoses can trigger the condition. A stenosis of the auditory canal is usually noticeable to the affected person by a reduced perception of sound. This can occur in both ears or only in one. The stenosis can usually only be corrected surgically.
Pyloric stenosis
Pyloric stenosis is the narrowing of the stomach outlet. This is usually caused by hypertrophy of the so-called pylorus of the stomach. In this case, the sphincter of the stomach is enlarged and thus narrows the gastric outlet. Furthermore, an obstruction of the lumen can also contribute to stenosis. The term lumen refers to the interior of a hollow organ, in this case the stomach. Cicatricial adhesions can also be causative. These usually develop as a result of a gastric ulcer or carcinoma. The cause can be treated both medicinally and surgically. This is mainly related to the severity of the causes. If the lumen is obstructed, vomiting from the affected person may already provide relief.
Aortic valve stenosis
Aortic valve stenosis is a heart valve defect. The aortic valve functions as a valve between the left heart valve and the large main artery, the aorta. This aortic valve is narrowed in the case of stenosis. In aortic valve stenosis, a distinction is made between congenital and later acquired stenosis. Congenital defects are mainly the narrowing of the valve ring, as well as a thickening or adhesion of the valve leaflets. Often, a smaller number of pockets also leads to stenosis. Basically, a healthy person has three pockets. In a congenital stenosis, one of these is usually missing. A later acquired stenosis, on the other hand, is mainly caused by inflammation. Symptoms depend on the severity of the stenosis. For example, affected individuals may have no symptoms at all, while others may suffer from severe shortness of breath during strenuous activity. Aortic valve stenosis can only be repaired surgically.
Symptoms, complaints, and signs
If stenosis is present, symptoms do not necessarily occur initially. Thus, the narrowing of the spinal canal may initially remain undetected. Only in the advanced course, when the nerves of the blood vessels are affected, do the first symptoms appear. The affected person suffers from increased back pain. The degree of pain can vary greatly and depends on the progression of the disease. The respective posture and activities of the affected person also play a role. Often, sufferers feel relief from the pain when they keep their spine bent. This can be explained by the stretching of the spinal canal. The nerves are then less constricted and the low back pain correspondingly less pronounced. Relief is provided, for example, by bending over or cycling. Those who walk uphill will also experience less discomfort. In general, a stenosis has a varied and often uncharacteristic symptomatology. The symptoms get worse over time. The muscles in the lower back are tense. Pain radiates from the back into the legs. Later in the course, the leg muscles become weaker and there may be sensory disturbances in the legs. Impaired bowel movements or problems urinating may also indicate stenosis.
Carotid artery stenosis
Carotid stenosis is the narrowing of the common carotid artery. This arises on the left side of the aortic arch and on the right side of the brachiocephalic trunk. The main function of the common carotid artery is to supply blood to the head and neck. This is narrowed in the case of stenosis.The cause of carotid stenosis is largely arteriosclerosis. Arteriosclerosis is the deposition of fat, thrombi, connective tissue and calcium in the blood vessels. These narrow the blood vessels and in 90 percent of cases are the main cause of what is usually a life-threatening stenosis. An older age and smoking can also contribute to the rapid onset of stenosis. Diabetes and a disturbance of the pressure in the blood can also significantly increase the risk of developing a stenosis. Carotid stenosis is usually treated surgically to correct the life-threatening condition.
Coronary Stenosis
Coronary stenosis is the narrowing of so-called coronary arteries. Such narrowing is usually detected by coronary angiography, electron beam tomography, or cardiac CT. An exercise ECG can also be helpful in making this determination. Thus, stress echocardiography, stress MRI, and myocardial scintigraphy are often performed simultaneously to make a definite diagnosis. Coronary stenosis is also mainly corrected by surgery, which can vary in size depending on the severity.
Complications
Depending on which organ is affected, stenosis can cause various complications. Stenosis of the ear canal usually causes problems with hearing, which can develop into complete hearing loss. Intestinal stenosis is usually accompanied by severe diarrhea or constipation for those affected and can lead to dehydration and deficiency symptoms as it progresses. In individual cases, the stenosis causes irreversible intestinal damage. Aortic valve stenosis is a heart valve defect that can be associated with severe shortness of breath, cardiac arrhythmias and other complications. Carotid stenosis, which is a narrowing of the arteries in the neck and throat, repeatedly results in life-threatening complications. Strokes and heart attacks are typical. Pyloric stenosis represents a narrowing of the stomach outlet. This can cause symptoms such as constipation, intestinal obstruction and, rarely, stomach cancer. When treating a stenosis, the risks come from surgery. Because it is a complicated procedure, there is always injury to nerves or bleeding. Infections and wound healing problems also cannot be ruled out. The concomitantly prescribed medications may cause side effects and interactions under certain circumstances.
When should you see a doctor?
If there is back pain, a general feeling of malaise, or a decrease in physical performance, a physician should be consulted. If the affected person suffers from a diffuse feeling of illness, changes in usual posture or irregularities in movement patterns, he or she needs help. If usual sporting or everyday activities cannot be performed, a doctor should be consulted. If there are sensory or sensory disturbances, further examinations are necessary to clarify the cause. If irregularities occur when going to the toilet or disturbances of the gastrointestinal tract, this is a sign of a health impairment. In the event of diarrhea, constipation or an intestinal obstruction, medical care for the affected person is indicated. If existing complaints increase in scope and intensity or if the health abnormalities persist over a longer period of time, a visit to the doctor is necessary. A diagnosis is necessary so that a treatment plan can be drawn up. Abnormalities of the musculature, a restriction of hearing or a general deficiency must be presented to a doctor. Disturbances of the heart rhythm, shortness of breath or irregularities of consciousness must be examined and treated. Since in severe cases a stenosis can lead to a life-threatening condition, the affected person should consult a physician at the first disturbances and abnormalities. If neck stiffness or impaired circulation occurs, a visit to the doctor is also recommended.
Aftercare
A stenosis is a collective term for various diseases caused by a narrowing of hollow organs and/ or vessels. Therefore, no one-size-fits-all statement can be made here regarding follow-up care. Aftercare is as varied as the stenosis itself. It depends above all on the previous measures that were necessary for the treatment and repair. Often, stents are inserted or other invasive surgical procedures are required.Aftercare is thus very much related to the effects and after-effects on the patient of a surgical intervention. Any surgical wound must be checked and treated, and the success of the treatment must of course be determined during aftercare – this is where imaging procedures are generally used, possibly in conjunction with contrast media. The hollow organ must be and remain permeable again. Also, it cannot be generally determined whether long-term medication is necessary. In certain cases, it may be necessary to use substances that prevent the vessel from reoccluding. The specialty varies depending on the location of the stenosis and different specialties may be involved here. It is imperative that the patient attend all follow-up appointments and seek individualized advice from the appropriate specialist, as stenosis or reocclusion can have very limiting effects.
What you can do yourself
Stenosis can be present in different parts of the body. It is a collective term. This results in countless perspectives. If the typical symptoms occur, one should generally refrain from self-therapy. This is because the symptoms can take on a life-threatening course. In everyday life, however, patients should support their recovery. Sufficient physical activity and a balanced diet are considered promising. Suitable beverages include juices, teas and water. Alcoholic and caffeinated beverages, on the other hand, should be avoided. Nicotine consumption is also considered harmful. Certain herbs and plants are said to have a healing effect. These help to dissolve constrictions in the affected areas, for example by rubbing them in externally. Garlic, fennel, sage and thyme belong to this group, among others. Depending on the symptoms, massages and breathing exercises also promise relief. Some patients rely on essential oils such as frankincense oil and clove oil. The effect of alternative methods is not clearly scientifically clarified. They cannot replace a visit to the doctor. In no case do they bring about a complete recovery. Hereditary malformations and chronic diseases leading to stenosis appear problematic. Consultation with a physician is vital in these cases.
