Treatment:

Patients with Plummer-Vinson syndrome should receive iron supplements. This may improve the swallowing difficulty.

If supplements do not help, the web can be widened during upper endoscopy to allow normal swallowing and passage of food.

Expectations (prognosis):

Patients generally respond to treatment.

Complications:

Devices used to stretch the esophagus (dilators) may cause a tear, which leads to bleeding.

Plummer-Vinson syndrome has been linked to esophageal cancer.

Calling your health care provider:

Call your health care provider if food gets stuck after you swallow it or if you have severe fatigue and weakness.