Texas Esophageal Stenosis Lawsuit

Esophageal Stenosis is a congenital birth defect, in which the esophagus has a narrow section. It usually causes an infant to choke, vomit, and have difficulty feeding. New studies of antidepressants, SSRIs, and other medications have found that mothers who took these drugs during pregnancy were more likely to have babies with serious birth defects. The drug-makers are facing several lawsuits brought by mothers who have had babies with defects.

Do I Have a Esophageal Stenosis Lawsuit? Collen A. Clark is a true advocate for his clients and is passionate about helping Texans that have been injured or wronged. If you or a loved one has given birth to a child with a birth defect after taking an SSRI, antidepressant, Zoloft, Paxil, Celexa, Wellbutrin, Lexapro, Symbyax, Effexor, or other medication during pregnancy, you should contact our lawyers immediately. You may be entitled to compensation by filing a Esophageal Stenosis lawsuit.

What drugs have been linked to Esophageal Stenosis?

Consult a physician before you start or stop any medication. Tell your doctor about all over-the-counter prescriptions, herbal supplements, dietary supplements, and prescription medications you are on — especially if you are pregnant, thinking of becoming pregnant, or breastfeeding. Some of these medications can cause serious birth defects, including Esophageal Stenosis.

SSRIs / Antidepressant Drugs: Evidence is growing that Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) and antidepressant medications can cause serious, life-threatening birth defects.

SSRIs and antidepressants include the following:

Esophageal Stenosis Overview

Esophageal stenosis (ES), also known as an “esophageal stricture,” is when the esophagus narrows, making it difficult to swallow.

The esophagus is a long, muscular tube connecting the mouth and the stomach. When this tube is constricted, the person may choke easily. Usually, ES is caused when the muscles involves in swallowing become scarred or damaged, causing it to thicken. Other times, it develops when a baby is in the womb. It is not usually diagnosed until the child begins feeding, and cannot swallow, or vomits. Congenital ES occurs in only one out of 25,000-50,000 live births, making it relatively rare.

Signs & Symptoms of Esophageal Stenosis

When a baby has ES, they usually choke during feedings, vomit food, or have pain when swallowing. Because the infant is unable to feed, it may have problems getting enough fluids and nutrients, and suffer from poor growth. Furthermore, because the child vomits frequently, fluid and vomit can enter the lungs and cause pneumonia (called “aspiration pneumonia”).

Mild cases of ES may not be noticed until adulthood. The most common symptoms include:

difficulty in swallowing
food “gets stuck” in the esophagus
uncomfortable swallowing
stomach content and acid coming back up from the stomach into the mouth
choking, coughing, or shortness of breath
vomiting blood
weight loss
bitter or acid taste in the mouth

Diagnosis, Treatment & Prognosis

Endoscopy: This is when a doctor inserts a flexible tube with a light on the end into the patient’s esophagus, and examines the narrowed part.

Barium swallow test: The patient drinks a “milkshake” that includes the chemical Barium. It is a thick, white, chalky liquid that coats the inside of the gastrointestinal tract. When an X-ray is taken, the gastrointestinal tract shows up better.

The preferred treatment is stretching of the esophagus, in a process known as “dilation.” Soft rubber or plastic dilators may be inserted into the esophagus in gradually larger increments, slowly enlarging the esophagus. A balloon may also be placed into the esophagus and inflated gently.

If the constriction is severe, surgery may be required, though this is rarely necessary. Because the esophagus is likely to re-narrow after treatment, the person should be monitored periodically for the rest of their life.

Do I Have a Esophageal Stenosis Lawsuit?

For a free consultation, please contact Collen A. Clark at The Clark Firm, LLP immediately. You may be entitled to compensation by filing a Esophageal Stenosis lawsuit.

Collen’s amazing success in the courtroom and well known dedication to his clients has earned him the recognition of his peers as one of The Top Trial Lawyers in Texas.”

The Clark Firm has assembled a team of trial lawyers with more that 100 years experience, participation in over 600 jury trials and $60 million in verdicts and/or settlements. Please use the form below to contact us for a free Esophageal Stenosis birth defect lawsuit review.