Stenosis comes in a variety of forms that can affect a variety of different areas of the human body. The causes of a stenosis are, for example, inflammation, tumors or arteriosclerosis. The best-known stenoses are auditory canal stenosis, pyloric stenosis, aortic valve stenosis, carotid stenosis and coronary stenosis.
Auditory canal stenosis
Ear canal stenosis is a narrowing of the outer ear canal. A distinction is made here between congenital stenosis and a later acquired auditory canal stenosis. They usually come from the cartilaginous part of the ear canal or the bony part. A stenosis can also originate from the skin lining the auditory canal. For what is amc used for, please visit fun-wiki.com.
The main causes of auditory canal stenosis are inflammation and tumors. But shrinking scars after an operation or exostoses can also trigger the condition.
A stenosis of the auditory canal is usually noticeable to the affected person through a reduced perception of sound. This can occur in both ears or just one. The stenosis can usually only be repaired surgically.
Pyloric stenosis
Pyloric stenosis is the narrowing of the outlet of the stomach. This is usually triggered by hypertrophy of the so-called pylorus. The sphincter muscle of the stomach is enlarged and thus narrows the gastric outlet.
Furthermore, obstruction of the lumen can also contribute to a stenosis. The interior of a hollow organ, in this case the stomach, is referred to as the lumen. Scarred adhesions can also be the cause. These usually occur as a result of a stomach ulcer or carcinoma.
The fight against the causes can be done both medically and surgically. This is mainly related to the severity of the causes. If the lumen is obstructed, vomiting by the affected person can help.
Aortic stenosis
Aortic 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 when there is a stenosis.
In the case of aortic valve stenosis, a distinction is made between congenital and later acquired stenosis. The narrowing of the valve ring, as well as thickening or adhesions of the valve pockets are considered to be congenital defects.
A smaller number of pockets often also leads to a stenosis. Basically, a healthy person has three bags. In the case of a congenital stenosis, one of these is usually missing. Stenosis acquired later, on the other hand, is mainly caused by inflammation.
Symptoms depend on the severity of the stenosis. Affected people can have no symptoms at all, while other people suffer from severe shortness of breath during strenuous activities. Aortic valve stenosis can only be repaired surgically.
Symptoms, Ailments & Signs
If there is a stenosis, symptoms do not necessarily have to appear at first. The narrowing of the spinal canal can therefore initially go undetected. Only in the advanced course, when the nerves of the blood vessels are attacked, do the first symptoms appear. The patient suffers from back pain.
The degree of pain can vary greatly and depends on the progression of the disease. The respective posture and activities of the person concerned also play a role. Patients often feel pain relief by keeping their spine flexed. This can be explained by the stretching of the spinal canal.
The nerves are then less constricted and the lower back pain is correspondingly less pronounced. Bending over or cycling bring relief, for example. Even those who go uphill will feel fewer complaints. In general, a stenosis has a diverse and often uncharacteristic set of symptoms. The symptoms get worse over time.
The muscles in the lower back are tight. The pain radiates from the back to the legs. As the disease progresses, the leg muscles become weaker and discomfort in the legs can occur. Stenosis can also be indicated by disturbed bowel movements or problems with urination.
carotid 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 task of the common carotid artery is to supply blood to the head and neck. This is narrowed with a stenosis.
The cause of carotid stenosis is largely arteriosclerosis. This refers to the deposit of fat, thrombi, connective tissue and calcium in the blood vessels. These constrict the blood vessels and are the main cause of a mostly life-threatening stenosis in 90 percent of cases.
Older age and smoking can also contribute to the rapid development of a stenosis. Diabetes and a blood pressure disorder can also significantly increase the risk of developing a stenosis.
Carotid stenosis is usually treated surgically to eliminate the life-threatening situation.
coronary stenosis
The narrowing of so-called coronary arteries is referred to as coronary stenosis. Such narrowing is usually detected by coronary angiography, electron beam tomography, or cardiac CT. A stress ECG can also be helpful for the determination. A stress echocardiography, a stress MRI and a myocardial scintigraphy are often carried out at the same time in order to be able to make a reliable diagnosis. A coronary stenosis is also mainly corrected by an operation, which can vary in size depending on the severity.
Complications
Depending on which organ is affected, a stenosis can cause various complications. A stenosis of the ear canal usually causes problems with hearing, which can develop into complete hearing loss. For those affected, intestinal stenosis is usually accompanied by severe diarrhea or constipation and can subsequently lead to dehydration and deficiency symptoms.
In individual cases, the narrowing 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, i.e. the narrowing of the arteries in the neck and neck, repeatedly leads to life-threatening complications. Typical are strokes and heart attacks. Pyloric stenosis is a narrowing of the gastric outlet.
This can cause symptoms such as constipation, intestinal obstruction and, rarely, stomach cancer. When treating a stenosis, the risks come from the surgery. Since this is a complicated procedure, nerve injuries or bleeding often occur. Infections and wound healing disorders cannot be ruled out either. The concomitantly prescribed medication can sometimes cause side effects and interactions.
When should you go to the doctor?
A doctor should be consulted in the event of back pain, general malaise or a decrease in physical performance. If the person concerned suffers from a diffuse feeling of illness, changes in the usual posture or irregular movements, he needs help. If usual sports or everyday activities cannot be carried out, a doctor should be consulted.
In the case of abnormal sensations or sensory disturbances, further examinations are necessary to clarify the cause. Irregularities when going to the toilet or problems with the gastrointestinal tract are signs of a health problem. In the event of diarrhoea, constipation or an intestinal blockage, medical care is indicated for the person concerned. If existing symptoms increase in scope and intensity or if the health problems persist over a longer period of time, a doctor’s visit is necessary.
A diagnosis is required so that a treatment plan can be drawn up. Muscular abnormalities, a hearing impairment or a general deficiency must be presented to a doctor. Heart rhythm disorders, shortness of breath or irregularities in consciousness must be examined and treated. Since in severe cases a stenosis can become a life-threatening condition, the person concerned should consult a doctor as soon as the first disturbances and abnormalities appear. If you experience neck stiffness or impaired blood circulation, a doctor’s visit is also recommended.
Aftercare
A stenosis is a collective term for various diseases caused by a narrowing of hollow organs and/or vessels. It is therefore not possible to make a definitive statement on aftercare here. Follow-up care is as diverse as the stenosis itself. It is primarily based on the previous measures that were necessary for the treatment and elimination. Stents are often used or other invasive surgical procedures are required.
Aftercare is therefore very much related to the effects and after-effects on the patient as a result of an operative intervention. The surgical wound that may be present must be checked and treated, and the success of the treatment must of course be determined in the follow-up care – here, as a rule, imaging methods are used, if necessary in connection with contrast media. The hollow organ must be and remain permeable again.
It is also not possible to state in general terms whether the long-term use of medication is necessary. In certain cases it may be necessary to use substances that prevent the vessel from closing again. The specialist direction varies depending on the localization of the stenosis and different specialist areas can be affected. The patient should definitely keep all follow-up appointments and seek individual advice from the relevant specialist, since a stenosis or renewed occlusion can have very restrictive effects.
You can do that yourself
The stenosis can be in different parts of the body. It is a collective term. This results in countless perspectives. If the typical symptoms occur, you should generally refrain from self-therapy. Because the symptoms can take a life-threatening course.
In everyday life, however, patients should support the recovery. Sufficient physical activity and a balanced diet are considered promising. Juices, teas and water are suitable drinks. However, you should avoid alcoholic beverages and caffeinated drinks. Nicotine consumption is also considered harmful.
Certain herbs and plants are said to have healing properties. These help, for example, with external rubbing, to dissolve constrictions in the affected areas. Garlic, fennel, sage, and thyme, among others, belong to this group. 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 has not been clearly scientifically clarified. They cannot replace a visit to the doctor. There is no way they will produce a full recovery. Hereditary malformations and chronic diseases that lead to stenosis appear to be problematic. Consultation with a doctor is vital in these cases.
