Why esophagus spasms

Achalasia happens when the nerves and muscles of the esophagus do not function fully. It may cause swallowing difficulties, regurgitation, and chest…. Esophageal cancer is a malignant tumor of the esophagus, the tube that connects the throat with the stomach. Early symptoms include acid reflux and…. What is an esophageal spasm? Medically reviewed by Deborah Weatherspoon, Ph. Causes Risks Symptoms Diagnosis Treatments Prevention Esophageal spasms occur when the esophagus contracts abnormally, and they can be painful and uncomfortable.

Causes of esophageal spasm. Share on Pinterest Esophageal spasms occur in the esophagus, a tube running from the mouth to the stomach. What are the risk factors? Symptoms and when to see a doctor. Share on Pinterest Potential symptoms of esophageal spasms include chest pain and heartburn. What are the treatment options? Share on Pinterest Eating smaller meals more frequently, and increasing fiber intake, may help to treat esophageal spasms.

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Medically reviewed by Graham Rogers, M. Meet Our Providers. When the muscular tube that connects your mouth to your stomach the esophagus tightens or contracts abnormally, it is known as spasm. Esophageal spasms are not very common.

The board-certified gastrointestinal specialists at Loma Linda University Health provide advanced care for the most complex conditions, including esophageal spasms. We treat more people with esophageal conditions than any center in the region.

One sign that you may be experiencing an esophageal spasm is It may feel like food is stuck in your throat. Other symptoms include:. Consuming very hot or very cold foods or drinks, or foods that are not chewed enough before swallowing may trigger a spasm. Sometimes, symptoms that may suggest esophageal spasm are the result of another condition such as gastroesophageal reflux disease GERD or achalasia. Diagnosing esophageal spasms begins with a patient history. Depending on your symptoms, your doctor may order one or more of the following tests or procedures:.

At Loma Linda University Health, we offer the most advanced technologies found only in major metropolitan academic medical centers to diagnose esophageal spasms, as well as all other types of esophageal condition.

Treatment for esophageal spasms will vary depending on the frequency and severity of the spasms. Treatment recommendations may include:. When these contractions become uncoordinated, they hinder this process instead of aiding it. Esophageal spasms are typically rare , but they may occur with frequency in some people. This can inhibit your ability to eat and drink. When esophageal spasms happen often, they may require treatment. They may be connected to a malfunction of the nerves that control the muscles within the esophagus.

Some conditions and factors that could produce esophageal spasms include:. Seek immediate medical care if you think you may be having an esophageal spasm. Your doctor may first rule out angina by giving you an EKG , stress test , or another cardiac test.

Diagnostic tests for esophageal spasms include:. The two types of esophageal spasm are:. If you have diffuse esophageal spasms, you may be able to treat them simply by identifying and eliminating food and drink triggers. No matter which type of spasms you have, keep a food diary to help you identify things that trigger spasms.

Jot down the temperature as well as the quantity. Spicy food may be a trigger for some people. Standardized deglycyrrhizinated licorice DGL extract, taken an hour or two before or after meals, may help reduce spasms. Peppermint oil is a smooth-muscle relaxant that may also help calm down spasms.

Try sucking on a peppermint lozenge or drinking a solution of water with peppermint oil drops added to it. Your doctor may prescribe medications, such as a proton pump inhibitor or an H2 blocker if you have GERD, to address the underlying cause of your symptoms. However, recent research suggests long-term use of proton pump inhibitors may result in kidney disease. If you have anxiety or depression , antidepressants may help to lift your mood and reduce esophageal pain.

Medications may also be prescribed to relax your swallowing muscles. These include Botox injections and calcium blockers. During this procedure, a surgeon inserts an endoscope through your mouth and then cuts the muscle at the bottom of your esophagus to weaken contractions. Another minimally invasive surgical procedure, called the Heller myotomy, may also be an option for people with esophageal spasms. Identifying food triggers and eliminating the substances that seem to bring on spasms is important.