What is an esophageal spasm and what does it feel like?

I have never experienced or heard of this before. So I googled it and this is what I found:

Esophageal Spasm

Topic Overview

What is esophageal spasm?

Esophageal spasms are irregular, uncoordinated, and sometimes powerful contractions of the

esophagus

, the tube that carries food from the mouth to the stomach. Normally, contractions of the esophagus are coordinated, moving the food through the

esophagus

and into the stomach. Esophageal spasms can prevent food from reaching the stomach, leaving it stuck in the esophagus.

Esophageal spasms are uncommon. Often symptoms that may suggest an esophageal spasm are the result of another condition such as

gastroesophageal reflux disease

(GERD) or achalasia, a problem with the nervous system in which the

lower esophageal sphincter

(LES) doesn't work properly. Anxiety or panic attacks can also cause similar symptoms.

What causes esophageal spasm?

The cause of esophageal spasm is unknown. Many doctors believe it results from a disruption of the nerve activity that coordinates the swallowing action of the esophagus. In some people, very hot or very cold foods may trigger an episode.

What are the symptoms?

Most people with this condition have chest pain that may spread outward to the arms, back, neck, or jaw. This pain can feel similar to a

heart attack

. If you have chest pain, you should be evaluated by a health professional as soon as possible to rule out or treat cardiac disease.

Other symptoms include difficulty or inability to swallow food or liquid, pain with swallowing, the feeling that food is caught in the center of the chest, and a burning sensation in the chest (

heartburn

).

How is esophageal spasm diagnosed?

Your doctor can often determine the cause of esophageal spasm from your medical history by asking you a series of questions. These include questions about what foods or liquids trigger symptoms, where it feels like food gets stuck, other symptoms or conditions you may have, and whether you are taking medications for them.

The diagnosis can be confirmed with tests, including a barium swallow or endoscopy. These tests use X-rays or a small, lighted viewing instrument to examine the inside of the esophagus. Your health professional may also do esophagus testing, a set of tests used to evaluate the condition and function of the esophagus. Tests measure acid levels in the esophagus as well as the strength and pattern of muscle contractions in the esophagus.

Other tests may be done to determine whether chest pain may be caused by gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), the abnormal backflow (reflux) of food, stomach acid, and other digestive juices from the stomach into the esophagus.

How is it treated?

Treatment for esophageal spasm includes treating other conditions that may make esophageal spasms worse, such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). GERD is usually treated with changes to diet and lifestyle and medications to reduce the amount of acid in the stomach. Spasms themselves may be treated directly with medications such as nitrates and Calcium channel blockers to relax the muscles of the esophagus, although they are not always effective.

Treating anxiety with relaxation and controlled breathing exercises may also help to reduce symptoms.

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In rare cases surgery is used to treat esophageal spasm. The surgeon cuts the muscles along the lower esophagus. This procedure is usually performed only in serious cases that do not respond to other therapies.

I've had quite a number of them.... probably 8-10 since being banded.

It feels like a sharp, heavy pressure that starts in your sternum (that's why so many think it's a heart attack) then spreads to your entire upper chest and even into your throat. It hurts like HELL!

The best way to get rid of it is to practice relaxation and deep breathing techniques. I've got some meditation and yoga experience so that helps...PLUS I know what's happening so I don't freak out anymore. But when it first happens to you, you just KNOW that you're dying, so just a wee bit of panic starts to set in which, of course, makes the spasm even harder, more painful and longer lasting!!

On a good day I can get it stopped in about 10 mins. On a bad day it could last 20.

It seems to be related to my overall stress level and eating greasy/spicy foods.

Someone here on the forum called it "the flaming golf ball from HELL"!:cool2:

No, that's what being STUCK feels like.

This is more like the "White Hot Iron meat Cleaver from Dallas"....LOL (I'm from Houston, can you tell?)

----------------------------------------------------

(Dallas folk: I"m j/k!! All Texans are good Texans! Don't come after me with one of your meat cleavers, now!)

I get them if I eat too fast. Feels like the food is stuck and won't move down to the stomach. Never had it before I was banded but a small price to pay for the success of the surgery. I find that if I just kind of relax and give it time, the food feels like it moves down and the pain goes away and I can continue with my meal. Good luck!

That is NOT an esophageal spasm....that is being "stuck".

I promise, you'll know the difference when you feel it!!! No way you could continue eating with one of these suckers!

Thank you for your replies. I haven't had one yet - I'm going to keep my fingers crossed that it never does happen.

It is true, you will know the esophageal spasm when it occurs. I have had them consistently for a week since my surgery. We have tried the medication, removing air from my band, etc. The pain is intense! It radiates from my breast bone up to my left jaw. Yes, I believe it feels like a heart attack would feel, although I've never had a heart attack.

I think for me, the side affects of the meds is making the situation worse. the meds affect my vision and I am actually having problems typing b/c my vision is blurry. I think I'm going to stop the med an practice the relaxation. I know that when I tense up when I have a spasm, it just intensifies the pain. When I relax and breathe through it, it passes more quickly.

My pains are intense but short and frequent. Rarely last more than a minute, but, happen once I put anything in my mouth, or stand up suddenly.

I will adjust to the new lap band life and know that this will calm down soon! (banded 9/18/08)

Hey ya'll.

Just reading your post and wanted to share real quick. About a month ago I started having spasms and actually got so bad that I literally couldn't hold anything down. Not even Water. Being stubborn and hard headed and not really knowing what was going on, I went for 2 1/2 weeks with not holding anything down. It finally got to the point where I was taken to the ER where I was totally dehydrated and in pretty bad shape. Long story, short...my tubing had a kink in it somehow causing the spasms. I had emergency surgery where they replaced and moved the port and tubing. It has been three weeks today since surgery. I am feeling 500% better. I went in a week ago tomorrow for my check up and a refill. I got 5cc in my 10cc band. I have absolutely no restriction though and that really concerns me because prior to all this, I was restricted and did very well at that level. I have left a message at the DR office today, but haven't heard back. I am just praying nothing else is wrong!!! I will say I would do it all over again. Prior to my probems I was down 60lbs since January 28th!!

I also know about these really well, have had three since being banded, and have had to call paramedics and go to hospital each time. Definately far more pain than a blockage, it actually feels like I am going to die!