Diffuse Esophageal Spasm

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Diffuse Esophageal Spasm

What are diffuse esophageal spams?

Esophageal spasms are abnormal contractions of the muscles in the esophagus (the tube that carries food from the mouth to the stomach). These spasms do not move food effectively to the stomach.


Causes

The cause of esophageal spasm is unknown. Very hot or very cold foods may trigger an episode in some people.


Symptoms

Symptoms include:

  • Difficulty swallowing or pain with swallowing
  • Pain in the chest or upper abdomen
  • It can be hard to tell a spasm from angina pectoris, a symptom of heart disease. The pain may spread to the neck, jaw, arms, or back

Exams and Tests

  • Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD)
  • Esophageal manometry
  • Esophagogram (barium swallow x-ray)

Treatment

Nitroglycerin given under the tongue (sublingual) may help a sudden episode of esophageal spasm. Long-acting nitroglycerin and calcium channel blockers are also used for the problem.

Long-term (chronic) cases are sometimes treated with low-dose antidepressants such as trazodone or nortriptyline to reduce symptoms.

Rarely, severe cases may need dilation (widening) of the esophagus or surgery. to control symptoms