29/07/2026
Stenosis is a medical term that means an abnormal narrowing of a passageway or opening in the body. The narrowing can restrict the flow of blood, air, fluid, or nerve signals, depending on where it occurs.
Common types include:
Spinal stenosis: Narrowing of the spaces within the spine, which can put pressure on the spinal cord or nerves. Symptoms may include back or neck pain, numbness, tingling, weakness, or difficulty walking.
Aortic stenosis: Narrowing of the heart's aortic valve, making it harder for the heart to pump blood to the rest of the body. Symptoms can include chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, or fainting.
Carotid stenosis: Narrowing of the carotid arteries in the neck, usually due to plaque buildup. This increases the risk of stroke.
Pulmonary stenosis: Narrowing of the pulmonary valve or artery, which affects blood flow from the heart to the lungs.
Esophageal stenosis (stricture): Narrowing of the esophagus, causing difficulty swallowing.
What causes stenosis?
The cause depends on the location, but common causes include:
Aging and wear-and-tear changes
Atherosclerosis (plaque buildup in arteries)
Arthritis and bone spurs
Congenital (present at birth) abnormalities
Inflammation or scarring after injury, infection, or surgery
Tumors (less commonly)
How is it treated?
Treatment depends on the severity and location:
Mild cases: Monitoring, medications, and physical therapy (for spinal stenosis).
Moderate to severe cases: Minimally invasive procedures (such as balloon dilation or stenting) or surgery to widen the narrowed area or relieve pressure.
If you heard the term "stenosis" in relation to a specific body part (for example, spinal stenosis or aortic stenosis), I can explain that type in more detail.