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Esophageal Conditions and Treatments

Esophageal Conditions

Diffuse Esophageal Spasm (DES)

What is Diffuse Esophageal Spasm? PDF Version
Diffuse Esophageal Spasm (DES) causes your esophagus to spasm in an uncoordinated fashion that prevents food that is swallowed from reaching the stomach.

What symptoms will I experience if I have Diffuse Esophageal Spasm?

  • Chest pain. This pain is often confused with angina, and can worsen when eating or drinking very hot foods or liquids.
  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Heartburn
  • Regurgitation

What are the causes of DES?
DES is a poorly understood disorder. It is related to a motor abnormality of the esophagus, however the specific cause is unknown.

How is it diagnosed?
It is essential that heart disease, if considered, be excluded when evaluating patients with chest pains suggestive of DES. There are several diagnostic tools that are used to determine the presence of a diffuse esophageal spasm.

  • Barium Swallow: In this procedure, the patient drinks barium, which coats the esophagus. A series of x-rays are then taken and the function of the esophagus is observed.
  • Esophagoscopy or Endoscopy: Performed most commonly in patients who experience difficulty swallowing or food sticking in the esophagus. This is when a thin, flexible tube is introduced to your esophagus orally. This tube is lighted and has a camera on the end, which allows your physician to see the inside of your esophagus and take biopsies as needed.
  • Esophageal Manometry: An esophageal manometry involves passing a small tube or catheter through your nose or mouth and into the stomach. The tube is then slowly pulled back through the esophagus and pressure readings are taken at intervals along the esophagus. The function of the esophagus is then evaluated.

What is the treatment process for Diffuse Esophageal Spasm?
There are several treatment methods available for treating DES.

  • Medication: There are medications available that can relax the muscles of the esophagus. While medication may help some patients, it is not effective in all patients.
  • Surgery: Surgery is generally reserved for very difficult cases or as a last resort in DES. The surgical procedure used to treat DES involves cutting the muscles of the lower esophagus to help relax the esophagus. It may be done through an incision in the chest or abdomen.

Where can I learn more about Diffuse Esophageal Spasm?