Why does esophagus spasm

It moves food from the throat to the stomach by contracting in a coordinated manner. The esophagus is the tube that carries the food and drink a person ingests into their stomach. It is around 10 inches in length and has muscular walls lined with mucous membranes. For some, esophageal spasms happen frequently and interfere with the ability to eat and drink normally.

When this is the case, treatment is usually required. There is no definitive reason why esophageal spasms occur. It is thought that a problem with the nerves controlling the esophageal muscles may be one cause. Diffuse esophageal spasms : These usually make a person regurgitate food or drink. They happen only occasionally and can be painful. Nutcracker esophagus : Where painful spasms occur, but no food or liquid is regurgitated. They can make it hard for a person to swallow.

While esophageal spasms are rare, there are certain risk factors which may make a person more susceptible to them. It is essential to seek advice from a doctor if the above symptoms occur or a person believes they are experiencing an esophageal spasm. This is because it is vital for a doctor to rule out any severe or life-threatening conditions with similar systems, such as angina or heart attack.

A doctor can diagnose esophageal spasm by performing several tests. Initially, they are likely to rule out any more serious conditions, such as angina, by performing a cardiac test, for example, an EKG. It is essential to find out which type of esophageal spasm a person has to be able to treat them correctly. Keeping a food diary of what is consumed, as well as the temperature and portion size, will help decipher where changes to diet should be made.

Standardized deglycyrrhizinated licorice DGL extract, which is available in powder or chewable tablet forms, can be taken before and after meals to reduce spasms.

Peppermint oil can also be beneficial to people who experience esophageal spasms. Making a solution of peppermint oil and water or sucking on a peppermint lozenge can help to reduce symptoms. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. This content does not have an English version. This content does not have an Arabic version.

Overview Esophagus Open pop-up dialog box Close. Esophagus The esophagus is a muscular tube that connects your mouth and your stomach. Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic. Share on: Facebook Twitter. Show references Cameron AM, et al. Current Surgical Therapy. Elsevier; Accessed Oct. Diffuse esophageal spasm corkscrew esophagus.

Esophageal spasms are painful, abnormal muscle contractions that occur within the esophagus. The esophagus is a narrow, muscular tube that transports food and drink to the stomach. It has muscular walls and is lined with mucus membranes. The esophagus is part of the digestive system. It moves food and drink downward into the stomach by making coordinated contractions.

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.