Diffuse esophageal spasm: Difference between revisions

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{{SI}}
{{Infobox medical condition
| name            = Diffuse esophageal spasm
| image          = [[File:Radiology_0012_Nevit.jpg|250px]]
| caption        = Barium swallow X-ray showing diffuse esophageal spasm
| field          = [[Gastroenterology]]
| symptoms        = [[Chest pain]], [[dysphagia]]
| complications  = [[Aspiration pneumonia]], [[esophageal perforation]]
| onset          = Typically in adults
| duration        = Variable
| causes          = Unknown, possibly related to [[gastroesophageal reflux disease]]
| risks          = [[Anxiety]], [[stress]], [[GERD]]
| diagnosis      = [[Barium swallow]], [[esophageal manometry]]
| differential    = [[Achalasia]], [[nutcracker esophagus]], [[esophageal cancer]]
| treatment      = [[Calcium channel blockers]], [[nitrates]], [[botulinum toxin]]
| medication      = [[Diltiazem]], [[nifedipine]]
| frequency      = Rare
}}
'''Diffuse esophageal spasm''' ('''DES''') is a condition characterized by uncoordinated contractions of the [[esophagus]], which can cause difficulty swallowing ([[dysphagia]]) or regurgitation. In some cases, it can cause pain that can be severe and mimic heart pain ([[angina]]).
'''Diffuse esophageal spasm''' ('''DES''') is a condition characterized by uncoordinated contractions of the [[esophagus]], which can cause difficulty swallowing ([[dysphagia]]) or regurgitation. In some cases, it can cause pain that can be severe and mimic heart pain ([[angina]]).
== Symptoms ==
== Symptoms ==
The most common symptoms of DES are dysphagia and chest pain. Dysphagia can occur with both solid and liquid foods. The chest pain can be severe and is often mistaken for angina. Other symptoms can include regurgitation of food or liquids, heartburn, and belching.
The most common symptoms of DES are dysphagia and chest pain. Dysphagia can occur with both solid and liquid foods. The chest pain can be severe and is often mistaken for angina. Other symptoms can include regurgitation of food or liquids, heartburn, and belching.
== Causes ==
== Causes ==
The exact cause of DES is unknown. However, it is thought to result from a disruption of the normal coordination of muscular activity in the esophagus. This disruption can be triggered by factors such as gastroesophageal reflux disease ([[GERD]]), psychological stress, and certain foods or drinks.
The exact cause of DES is unknown. However, it is thought to result from a disruption of the normal coordination of muscular activity in the esophagus. This disruption can be triggered by factors such as gastroesophageal reflux disease ([[GERD]]), psychological stress, and certain foods or drinks.
== Diagnosis ==
== Diagnosis ==
Diagnosis of DES is typically made based on the symptoms and results from tests such as esophageal manometry and barium swallow. Esophageal manometry measures the rhythmic muscle contractions in your esophagus when you swallow, the coordination and force exerted by the esophagus muscles. Barium swallow is an X-ray test that outlines the esophagus and reveals any abnormalities in the esophagus.
Diagnosis of DES is typically made based on the symptoms and results from tests such as esophageal manometry and barium swallow. Esophageal manometry measures the rhythmic muscle contractions in your esophagus when you swallow, the coordination and force exerted by the esophagus muscles. Barium swallow is an X-ray test that outlines the esophagus and reveals any abnormalities in the esophagus.
== Treatment ==
== Treatment ==
Treatment for DES primarily involves managing symptoms and can include medications, such as smooth muscle relaxants, and procedures, such as botulinum toxin ([[Botox]]) injections. In severe cases, surgery may be considered.
Treatment for DES primarily involves managing symptoms and can include medications, such as smooth muscle relaxants, and procedures, such as botulinum toxin ([[Botox]]) injections. In severe cases, surgery may be considered.
== See also ==
== See also ==
* [[Esophagus]]
* [[Esophagus]]
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* [[Gastroesophageal reflux disease]]
* [[Gastroesophageal reflux disease]]
* [[Dysphagia]]
* [[Dysphagia]]
[[Category:Gastroenterology]]
[[Category:Gastroenterology]]
[[Category:Esophagus disorders]]
[[Category:Esophagus disorders]]
{{Medicine-stub}}
{{Medicine-stub}}
==Diffuse esophageal spasm==
<gallery>
File:Radiology_0012_Nevit.jpg|Diffuse esophageal spasm
File:Korkenzieher-Ösophagus.jpg|Diffuse esophageal spasm
</gallery>

Latest revision as of 18:41, 5 April 2025

Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD medical weight loss NYC and sleep center NYC

Diffuse esophageal spasm
Synonyms N/A
Pronounce N/A
Specialty N/A
Symptoms Chest pain, dysphagia
Complications Aspiration pneumonia, esophageal perforation
Onset Typically in adults
Duration Variable
Types N/A
Causes Unknown, possibly related to gastroesophageal reflux disease
Risks Anxiety, stress, GERD
Diagnosis Barium swallow, esophageal manometry
Differential diagnosis Achalasia, nutcracker esophagus, esophageal cancer
Prevention N/A
Treatment Calcium channel blockers, nitrates, botulinum toxin
Medication Diltiazem, nifedipine
Prognosis N/A
Frequency Rare
Deaths N/A


Diffuse esophageal spasm (DES) is a condition characterized by uncoordinated contractions of the esophagus, which can cause difficulty swallowing (dysphagia) or regurgitation. In some cases, it can cause pain that can be severe and mimic heart pain (angina).

Symptoms[edit]

The most common symptoms of DES are dysphagia and chest pain. Dysphagia can occur with both solid and liquid foods. The chest pain can be severe and is often mistaken for angina. Other symptoms can include regurgitation of food or liquids, heartburn, and belching.

Causes[edit]

The exact cause of DES is unknown. However, it is thought to result from a disruption of the normal coordination of muscular activity in the esophagus. This disruption can be triggered by factors such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), psychological stress, and certain foods or drinks.

Diagnosis[edit]

Diagnosis of DES is typically made based on the symptoms and results from tests such as esophageal manometry and barium swallow. Esophageal manometry measures the rhythmic muscle contractions in your esophagus when you swallow, the coordination and force exerted by the esophagus muscles. Barium swallow is an X-ray test that outlines the esophagus and reveals any abnormalities in the esophagus.

Treatment[edit]

Treatment for DES primarily involves managing symptoms and can include medications, such as smooth muscle relaxants, and procedures, such as botulinum toxin (Botox) injections. In severe cases, surgery may be considered.

See also[edit]

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