DEAR DR. GOTT:
About once a month I get esophageal spasms, diagnosed as such by my doctor. The pain actually mimics that of a heart attack with pain across my chest and back. It lasts about 20 minutes.
Can you tell me what causes the spasms, how they could be prevented and what to do when they occur? I know there is a pill I could take but I am not anxious to add another pill to my regimen. I would appreciate any information you can provide on this ongoing problem.
DEAR READER:
Spasms of the esophagus are muscle contractions that prevent food from passing in a normal manner from the esophagus into the stomach.
Symptoms resemble those of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and can include heartburn, chest pain and more. Contractions can be quite painful, intermittent and vary in intensity with chest pain mimicking angina. Women are more commonly affected by the condition than are men and the probability of the condition increases as an individual ages.
There are a number of steps an individual can take to control symptoms. Diet modification can help. Eliminate or reduce your intake of acidic, greasy/fatty and spicy foods. Try eating four or five smaller meals rather than two or three large ones. You should also avoid foods that are extremely hot or cold as they can trigger an attack.
Short-term treatment may involve an over-the-counter or prescription medication to relax the muscles of the esophagus. Long-term treatment can include the use of additional medications and determining possible underlying health conditions.
Testing by a physician for diagnosis might include the coordination of a barium swallow, esophageal motility test, esophageal computed tomography (CT) scanning, or esophagogastroduodenoscopy. The procedures range from swallowing barium while awake followed by an X-ray technique to having a tube inserted through the mouth and throat while under sedation. Your physician or gastroenterologist is your best resource to determine which procedure is appropriate to determine if any blockages are present and reach a diagnosis.
To give you related information, I am sending you a copy of my Health Report “Hiatal Hernia, Acid Reflux & Indigestion”. Other readers who would like a copy should send a self-addressed, stamped, number 10 envelope and $2 to Newsletter, PO Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092. Be sure to mention the title.
About Dr. Gott