A stenosis is a constriction in blood vessels or hollow organs, which can be either offered or acquired. Such a narrowing impedes the normal passage of the contents of the respective organ or vessel (e.g. intestinal contents or blood). Stenosis is caused by scars, adhesions or space-occupying processes - such as the growth of a tumor. In vessels, on the other hand, it is often caused by arteriosclerosis.
Causes of stenosis
Stenosis has various causes. In addition to those already mentioned above, these include:
- Connective tissue proliferation
- Insorption of cholesterol, fatty acids and calcium
- Accumulation of collagen and proteoglycans
These can lead to thickening and hardening of the vessels, which in turn results in a decrease in elasticity. In rare cases, stenosis is caused by vascular tears or inflammation.
The following factors have been identified asrisk factors:
- Arterial hypertension
- Obesity
- Hyperlipidemia
- Hypercholesterolemia
- Diabetes mellitus
- Male gender
- Age
- Lifestyle (high in calories and fat, smoking, stress)
- genetic factors
Stenosis symptoms
Typical symptoms of stenosis are neurological disorders such as paralysis, impaired vision, speech or sensory perception. Depending on which organ or vessel is affected, pain occurs in different regions of the body. If the ear canal is affected by the narrowing, this causes hearing loss. In advanced cases of narrowing, blood clots can form, which can lead to reduced blood flow to the brain. Severe cases of stenosis can therefore lead to coma or death.
Stenosis treatment
Stenosis is initially treated with medication. Only if neurological symptoms still occur even under the influence of medication is surgery performed. The exact surgical procedure varies depending on the location of the stenosis.
Stenosis of the spineIf the spine is affected by a stenosis, this is referred to as spinal canal stenosis. This is a narrowing of the spinal canal that usually affects older people, as it is considered a typical degenerative disease. The resulting pain in the back can radiate over a large area.
Stenosis of the bowel
Intestinal stenosis is characterized by severe inflammatory swelling of the intestinal mucosa. The inflammation usually occurs repeatedly and in episodes. Eventually, scarring can occur that requires endoscopic or surgical removal.
Causes of stenosis
Stenosis has various causes. In addition to those already mentioned above, these include:
- Connective tissue proliferation
- Insorption of cholesterol, fatty acids and calcium
- Accumulation of collagen and proteoglycans
These can lead to thickening and hardening of the vessels, which in turn results in a decrease in elasticity. In rare cases, stenosis is caused by vascular tears or inflammation.
The following factors have been identified asrisk factors:
- Arterial hypertension
- Obesity
- Hyperlipidemia
- Hypercholesterolemia
- Diabetes mellitus
- Male gender
- Age
- Lifestyle (high in calories and fat, smoking, stress)
- genetic factors
Stenosis symptoms
Typical symptoms of stenosis are neurological disorders such as paralysis, impaired vision, speech or sensory perception. Depending on which organ or vessel is affected, pain occurs in different regions of the body. If the ear canal is affected by the narrowing, this causes hearing loss. In advanced cases of narrowing, blood clots can form, which can lead to reduced blood flow to the brain. Severe cases of stenosis can therefore lead to coma or death.
Stenosis treatment
Stenosis is initially treated with medication. Only if neurological symptoms still occur even under the influence of medication is surgery performed. The exact surgical procedure varies depending on the location of the stenosis.
Stenosis of the spineIf the spine is affected by a stenosis, this is referred to as spinal canal stenosis. This is a narrowing of the spinal canal that usually affects older people, as it is considered a typical degenerative disease. The resulting pain in the back can radiate over a large area.
Stenosis of the bowel
Intestinal stenosis is characterized by severe inflammatory swelling of the intestinal mucosa. The inflammation usually occurs repeatedly and in episodes. Eventually, scarring can occur that requires endoscopic or surgical removal.