Esophageal Spasms

Esophageal spasms are abnormal muscle contractions in your esophagus (the tube that takes food and drink to your stomach after you swallow). These spasms make it harder for food to reach your stomach. They can be painful.

After you swallow, your esophagus muscles contract (flex and relax). When your esophagus works as it should, a wave of coordinated contractions moves food or liquid down to your stomach. This series of contractions is called peristalsis.

If you have esophageal spasms, these contractions don’t work correctly. Unusually powerful or ineffective muscle contractions in your esophagus can make it difficult for food or liquid to move through your esophagus. You may need more time to swallow, or you may regurgitate food.

What are the types of esophageal spasm?

There are two main types:

Distal (or diffuse) esophageal spasm: Uncoordinated muscle contractions happen mostly in the lower part of your esophagus. This type of esophageal spasm often causes already-swallowed food or liquid to come back up your esophagus (regurgitation).
Hypercontractile (nutcracker or jackhammer) esophagus: In hypercontractile esophagus, muscle contractions are too strong or forceful. The contractions can cause pain, especially when you swallow. The pain can be severe and may feel like squeezing in your chest.

How common are esophageal spasms?

Esophageal spasms are rare. Medical experts estimate that distal esophageal spasm affects 1 person per 100,000 each year.

Symptoms

When to see a doctor

Request an appointment

Complications

Blood clots are a dangerous complication of atrial fibrillation (AFib). Blood clots can lead to stroke.

The risk of stroke from AFib increases as you grow older. Other health conditions also may increase the risk of a stroke due to AFib. These conditions include:

High blood pressure.
Diabetes.
Heart failure.
Some types of heart valve disease.

Blood thinners are commonly prescribed to prevent blood clots and strokes in people with atrial fibrillation.

Prevention

Healthy lifestyle choices can reduce the risk of heart disease and may prevent atrial fibrillation (AFib). Here are some basic heart-healthy tips:

Control high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes.
Don't smoke or use tobacco.
Eat a diet that's low in salt and saturated fat.
Exercise at least 30 minutes a day on most days of the week unless your health care team says not to.
Get good sleep. Adults should aim for 7 to 9 hours daily.
Maintain a healthy weight.
Reduce and manage stress.

By Freedmans Health Clinic Staff

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