What is the best muscle relaxer for esophageal spasms?

Peppermint oil is a smooth muscle relaxant and might help ease esophageal spasms. Place the peppermint lozenge under your tongue.

What is the best treatment for esophageal spasm?

The only permanent cure for esophageal spasms is a surgical procedure called myotomy. The surgeon cuts the thick muscle in the lower part of the esophagus. This is only recommended in severe cases when medications and injections don’t work.

How do you break an esophageal spasm?

Nitroglycerin given under the tongue (sublingual) may help a sudden episode of esophageal spasm. Long-acting nitroglycerin and calcium channel blockers are also used for the problem. Long-term (chronic) cases are sometimes treated with low-dose antidepressants such as trazodone or nortriptyline to reduce symptoms.

What can trigger esophageal spasm?

Causes esophageal spasm

  • certain foods and drinks, including red wine and foods that are too hot or too cold.
  • gastroesophageal reflex disease (GERD), particularly if its led to scarring or narrowing of the esophagus.
  • some treatments for cancer, such as surgery of the esophagus or radiation of the chest, neck, or head.

How long does it take for esophageal spasms to go away?

The symptoms of esophageal spasms usually come and go. You may notice symptoms at certain times, such as after eating or drinking something very hot or cold. Or symptoms may come on suddenly, out of nowhere. Symptoms may last for a few minutes or more than one hour.

What medications relax the esophagus?

The increase in incidence of esophageal adenocarcinoma coincided with the introduction of medications that promote reflux by relaxing the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), such as nitroglycerin, anticholinergics, beta-adrenergic agonists, aminophyllines, and benzodiazepines.

Do esophageal spasms go away?

What is jackhammer esophagus?

Jackhammer esophagus is a specific disorder of the muscular action of the esophagus (aka “dysmotility”) wherein there are high amplitude abnormal contractions (“spasm”) of the esophageal muscle. These contractions are of much higher force than normal and also are discoordinated compared to normal contraction.

What does esophageal spasms feel like?

If you have esophageal spasms, you may have: Chest pain that may feel like heartburn (burning sensation in the chest) or, less commonly, a heart attack. Trouble swallowing foods or liquids (dysphagia). Pain near the breastbone when you swallow or at other times.

Can anxiety cause esophageal spasms?

Esophageal Spasms, such as a sudden chest pain or “flutter” that can radiate to the back, neck, jaw, throat, and arms, are not as common as other anxiety symptoms, but they can occur for some anxious and stressed people.

What does esophageal spasm feel like?

Is esophageal spasm serious?

Esophageal spasms are rare, though if you have had one you are significantly more likely to have another. These contractions are not typically dangerous, but they can be very uncomfortable and can occasionally lead to dysphagia and even cause you to regurgitate food.