Transportation of food from the mouth to the stomach passes through the esophagus. If the peristalsis of smooth muscles is functioning normally, then the food bolus easily and quickly reaches the stomach. In case of violation of its activity, a spasm occurs. Food moves with difficulty through the esophagus, causing pain. The individual is concerned about heaviness and pressure in the throat, chest as a result of a spasm of the esophagus. How to remove it and how to alleviate the condition? This will be discussed in the article.
General information
Esophagospasm, or in other words spasm of the esophagus, is a disease, as a result of which from time to time there is a failure of peristalsis, i.e. in the lower esophageal sphincter there is an increase in pressure and spastic contractions of its walls. The diagnosis is made on the basis of diagnostic measures, which include: pH- and esophageal manometry, radiography, endoscopy. The disease is manifested by retrosternal pain, belching, dysphagia, heartburn. Treatment is mainly conservative, aimed at reducing intra-abdominalpressure and myotonus of the esophagus, as well as diet food.
Common types of esophagospasm
Often in practice there are two types of spasm of the esophagus:
- Diffuse, the symptoms of which are manifested by a failure of motor activity, with occasional spastic uncoordinated contractions of the smooth muscles of the food tube. At the same time, muscle tone is preserved, as is the reflex opening during swallowing. In the region of the sternum and stomach, severe pain occurs, which spreads to the shoulder and even the jaw. Strong pain disturbs the individual at rest and at night, that is, they are not associated with eating. When the contraction stops, regurgitation occurs. Swallowing disorder is more pronounced when drinking liquids or eating soft foods. The attack lasts from several minutes to several hours.
- Segmental (Nutcracker's esophagus) - in this type, smooth muscle contraction occurs with greater intensity in certain areas of the esophagus and stomach. Spasm manifests itself as follows. The appearance of pain when swallowing liquids. Dysphalgia, which appears when eating pureed food, porridge, cottage cheese. Difficulties with swallowing are present when swallowing foods enriched in vegetable fiber. The duration of the spasm is a few seconds. In some cases, its duration increases to three hours. Pain is moderate and passes quickly. Seizures begin suddenly, gradually decreasing in intensity.
The following variants of esophagospasm are known:
- Idiopathic, often called primary - organic changes in the nervous system.
- Reflex, or otherwise secondary - is a companion of ulcerative lesions of the digestive system, hiatal hernia, cholelithiasis, i.e. those pathologies in which the mucous membrane of the food tube is affected.
Other types of esophagospasm
In medical practice, there are other types of spasm of the esophagus:
- Nervous - it is characterized by feverish muscle contraction due to a mental disorder (depression), sleep disturbance, stress, increased tendency to anxiety, fear. The time attack lasts only a few minutes.
- When swallowing - the following symptoms indicate such a spasm: a sensation of a lump in the throat accompanies a panic attack; with convulsions, there is a feeling of suffocation; with sharp unexpected sounds, vomiting begins; in a neurosis-like state, spasm can prevent even swallowing saliva; attacks of nausea and vomiting are considered frequent companions of neurosis; in the chest area, pain of the type of cardialgia, and their intensity is unstable and varies from slight to sharp.
- Cardiospasm - can be acute and chronic. For acute - pain behind the sternum and in the epigastric region is characteristic; feeling that the food lump lingers above the stomach. However, drinking water does not bring relief. At the end of the attack, regurgitation or belching occurs. With slight excitement, the pain intensifies. Late therapy is dangerous with a sharp weight loss, esophageal vomiting. The development of pneumonia is not excluded. One of the main causes of esophageal spasm, the symptoms of which are described above, is considered to be a long-term ulcerative lesion. The main provocateurs are smoking, inhaling toxic fumes, drinking strong alcohol.
- Lower sections - with such a spasm, the organ tube expands over its entire length.
- Nonsphincteric - several of its departments are affected simultaneously throughout. Individuals complain of spitting up mucus, chest pain, episodes of dysphagia lasting from seconds to weeks.
Spasm of the esophagus also occurs with other anomalies. For example, as a symptom, it is observed in tuberculosis, syphilis, scarlet fever, inflammation of the pleura or aorta.
Esophagospasm during pregnancy
During the period of expectation of the baby, the appearance of spasms in the esophagus, the causes of which will be discussed below, is quite common. Despite the fact that bearing crumbs is a natural process, in some cases pathological conditions may occur. A change in the position of the diaphragm and hormonal imbalance contribute to the retention of food in the esophagus and provoke vomiting. The occurrence of GERD is influenced by a malfunction in the work of the muscles of the stomach and motility of esophageal contractions. In addition, as a result of the increase in the acidity of the digestive juice, which is characteristic of this period, acidic contents are thrown into the esophagus, causing its chemical burn. On theIn practice, esophagitis occurs in every fifth pregnant woman. Clinical picture:
- burning sensation in cheeks and tongue;
- cough, may feel very short of breath;
- hoarseness, voice disorders;
- belching, heartburn, pain in the chest and some other phenomena associated with damage to the esophagus;
- flatulence, a feeling of fullness in the stomach.
Reasons
Spasms often occur at the exit or inlet of the esophagus, as there are many nerve endings in these places, and they are the first to respond to failure.
The main causes of esophageal spasm, the symptoms and treatment of which are discussed in this article, are as follows:
- swallowing disorder;
- chemical poisoning;
- presence of a foreign body;
- ulcerative lesions of the stomach or duodenum;
- very cold, hot, dry or hard food;
- exposure to concentrated organic or mineral acids;
- exacerbation of gastroesophageal disease;
- minor injury to the walls of the esophagus resulting from swallowing a foreign body or eating hard food;
- inflammatory processes in the internal organs located next to the esophagus;
- infectious diseases such as scarlet fever, rubella and others;
- nervous diseases;
- incorrectly fitted denture;
- pathology of the intercostal nerves;
- drinking hard liquor;
- excessive emotional stress,overwork.
Esophagospasm occurs periodically before becoming stable and is associated with overwork, fright, nervous overexcitation, fever or lack of sleep. The disease becomes chronic when the vagus nerve is inflamed, the nerve endings near the esophagus are affected, there are CNS disorders, i.e. there is constant pressure on the muscles of the esophageal tube.
Signs of esophageal spasm
"A lump in the throat" - usually with such a phrase an individual describes his feelings with such a problem. The clinic depends on the form and location of the pathological process. Typical symptoms of any form of the disease are a violation of swallowing, retrosternal pain that occurs when swallowing saliva and food, but can also be spontaneous. Stressful situations exacerbate discomfort. In addition, pain radiates to the back, shoulders, lower jaw, and shoulder blades. The duration of the attack is about sixty minutes. In some cases, its duration is longer. After taking antispasmodics, the pain subsides.
Dysphagia occurs when both solid and liquid foods are consumed. It appears immediately with pain and has an irregular character. Heartburn occurs in every fifth individual. Severe spasms and a large amount of food coma in the esophagus provoke regurgitation.
Spasm of the upper narrowing of the esophagus is predominantly found in persons prone to sudden mood swings, neurosis-like states or tantrums, i.e., nervous spasm of the esophagus. It is manifested by nausea, cough, pain behind the sternumnature, excitement, fear, redness of the face. Spasmodic phenomena are formed acutely or gradually increase. The intermittent nature of the disease contributes to the following: the individual becomes restless, fearing the return of symptoms, eats irregularly and thereby worsens the situation.
Chronic spasm of the upper narrowing of the esophagus is typical for age-related individuals with chewing disorders, defects in teeth. In such patients, the passage of solid food is difficult, unpleasant sensations are noted behind the sternum, there is a need to drink liquid with each ingestion of food. Permanent obstruction of the esophagus leads to the formation of its compensatory expansion in the spasmodic area.
Treatment measures
After confirming the diagnosis, individuals are interested in the question of how to relieve spasms of the stomach and esophagus. If the exact cause of the disease is not identified, then doctors do not recommend self-treatment. Therapy involves the use of:
- drugs;
- physiotherapy treatments;
- diet;
- lifestyle change;
- medicinal herbs.
If there is an underlying disease of the gastrointestinal tract that provokes esophagospasm, then initially treatment should be started with it to prevent the occurrence of new attacks. Next, we will consider in more detail how to treat reflex spasm of the esophagus. For this, drugs of different pharmacological groups are used:
- Antacids, or anti-acid - protect the mucous membrane of the digestive canal.
- GI Motility Stimulants – Promote the passage of the food bolus by improving muscle tube peristalsis.
- Anspasmodics - remove spasm.
- Alginates - envelop the mucous membrane, protecting it from aggressive hydrochloric acid.
- Sedatives - calming effect on the central nervous system.
- Antidepressants, tranquilizers and sleep aids prescribed as needed.
- Analgesics and anesthetics - have a local anesthetic effect.
- B vitamins.
The above medicines, doses and treatment regimens are selected by the attending doctor individually.
Let's consider how to relieve stomach and esophagus spasms with the help of physiotherapy. It is aimed at normalizing the functions of the nervous system and includes:
- Anesthetic electrophoresis - a direct electric current is applied to the affected organ together with a drug, which makes it possible to relieve pain.
- Radon baths - thanks to them, the sensitivity of nerve endings decreases.
- Galvanization - by means of electrodes, a current is supplied with a constant frequency, low strength and low voltage. As a result, the sensitivity of nerve fibers weakens. This method is especially effective for spasm of the esophagus, which arose against the background of osteochondrosis.
- Warm baths with sedative herbal teas.
- Inductotherapy - exposure to a high-frequency electromagnetic field with a predominance of the magnetic component. The exclusivity of this manipulation is that in the muscle layerheat is formed, as a result, the tone decreases and the spasm of the esophagus is eliminated. How else can you take it off? Physical activity is especially important, that is, performing simple exercises aimed at strengthening the spinal column and normalizing the work of the central nervous system.
Phytotherapeutic treatment involves the use of medicinal plant materials with different effects:
- anti-inflammatory - elecampane;
- sedative - peony, valerian, motherwort;
- antispasmodic - chamomile, sage, mint.
Alternative treatments include:
- Acupuncture. The course of treatment is up to ten days, three times a year.
- Medical hypnotherapy.
- Psychotherapeutic methods - sand therapy, autogenic training according to Schultz, art therapy.
Massage of certain points that are located on the midline of the chest is another non-standard way to treat spasm of the esophagus. How to remove it with this method? The location of the dots is as follows:
- under the cervical fossa;
- between breasts;
- between the first and second points (equidistant from each).
These zones are massaged with the bones of the fingers, making rotational movements clockwise for five minutes. It is noted that when performing this manipulation, the individual has strong pain sensations. There is an opinion that this is normal, and after twenty minutes of intense exposure to these points, the pain will completely disappear.
All of the above methods give good results.
Actionswith spasm of the esophagus
How to shoot it? In case of retrosternal pain, you need to calm down and lie down. If the spasm has not passed within five minutes, then perform the following actions:
- If you experience pain while eating, drink a glass of plain water.
- Perform the following exercise four to six times - inhale deeply, literally hold your breath for two seconds and exhale slowly.
- Take a sedative. If it is not available, prepare a mint tea drink or suck on a mint lollipop.
- If the previous manipulations did not work, then an injection of "Atropine" is indicated.
The main thing is to cope with panic and remember that there is no threat to life.
Proper nutrition
Treatment of spasms in the esophagus, the causes of which have been clarified, is impossible without a properly selected diet. The basic principles of dietary nutrition include:
- Eat room temperature food no more than five to six times a day, the last meal of which should be at least three hours before bedtime.
- Don't overeat.
- Meals are steamed, boiled and stewed.
- Food should not irritate the mucous membrane of the stomach and esophagus. It is preferable to use it in a puree state.
- Forbidden strong drinks, spices, marinades, canned food, hot, cold and spicy dishes.
Methods for treating esophagospasm
Different methods are used to treat diffuse spasm of the esophagus:
- Fractional meals - up to six times a day in small portions. Thorough chewing of food. Do not lie down for two hours after eating.
- Pharmacotherapy - it is auxiliary in nature and is aimed at eliminating symptoms.
- Expansion of the cardia with special dilators - pneumatic or mechanical medical devices are used. A probe is inserted into the stomach, at the end of which there is a special balloon. When it enters the zone of the lower sphincter, they begin to pump air, and then remove it. As a result, the necessary section of the alimentary canal expands.
- Surgical intervention - it is indicated in case of ineffectiveness of the previous method.
- Using herbal recipes - drinking infusions, taking herbal baths.
Conservative therapy is indicated for the treatment of symptoms of diffuse esophageal spasm:
- "Omeprazole", "Pancreatin" - to reduce acidity.
- "Cerucal" - suppression of attacks of nausea and vomiting.
- "Renny", "Almagel" - protection of mucous membranes from the aggressive effects of acid.
- "Nifedipine" - to normalize muscle tone and relieve spasms.
- "Anestezin", "Novocain" - for pain relief.
- "Atropine" - for intravenous or intramuscular administration for emergency care.
In addition, physiotherapeutic procedures are recommended for individuals: electrophoresis, radon baths, inductive and microwave treatment. Any physical activity is required.
"Duspatalin": mechanism of action,benefits
Only the sphincter of Oddi and the smooth muscles of the digestive tract are affected by the drug, which distinguishes it from other antispasmodics. "Duspatalin" relieves spasm of the esophagus, through which the movement of the food coma is difficult, and also normalizes the natural function of the digestive tract, i.e. the drug does not adversely affect the functioning of the intestine, as it does not completely suppress contractions and does not disrupt normal peristalsis.
The main benefits are:
- slow release;
- constant drug concentration in the blood for 15-18 hours;
- selective action;
- no side effects associated with other antispasmodics;
- does not accumulate in the body and can be used for a long period;
- does not require dose adjustment in old age.
Thus, the drug "Duspatalin" relieves spasm of the esophagus due to the sequential launch of the following processes:
- Reduces the permeability of intestinal muscle cells.
- Closes the entry channel for sodium ions into the cell.
- Inhibits norepinephrine reuptake.
- Has an analgesic effect.
- Relaxes intestinal smooth muscle.
- Promotes better absorption of liquids.
- Improves the functioning of the intestinal tract.
- Relieve colic, cramps and pain.
The use of this medication allows you to stop the symptoms and at the same time preserve the naturalperistalsis of the gastrointestinal tract. It is indicated for all kinds of disorders of the digestive system, which are accompanied by spasmodic pains.
Alternative medicine
How to relieve spasm of the esophagus at home? This question is often asked to the doctor. It turns out that if the reason that caused this condition is known, then it is quite possible to deal with this problem on your own, using the following effective methods:
- Infusions of flax seeds and anise or mint and plantain. To prepare a drink, take 10 grams of each medicinal plant material and pour 500 ml of water. Before use, filter and add honey.
- If the spasm is caused by stressful situations, it is recommended to drink no more than fifteen drops of tincture of motherwort, peony or valerian before meals.
- Well soothe and relieve spasms baths with the addition of a herbal mixture, which includes lemon balm, motherwort, linden flowers, valerian and one of the oils (tea tree, orange or ylang-ylang). The duration of the procedure is no more than twenty minutes.
- Breathing exercises done slowly. They help prevent further development of muscle contraction.
Now you know how to relieve spasm of the esophagus at home.
Advice to patients
When esophagospasm occurs, it is advisable to visit a gastroenterologist. He will prescribe the necessary examinations to exclude its secondary nature. When confirmed, all efforts are directed to the treatment of the disease, which provokes a spastic state. If the reason lies in the failurework of the nervous system, then measures are taken to normalize it. Most often, person-centered therapy is indicated. In addition, sanatorium treatment in the Crimea and on the Black Sea coast gives a good effect.
How to relieve spasm of the esophagus at home? The following tips will be helpful for both segmental and diffuse spasm:
- Give the individual warm water. This simple method helps in most cases. The attack passes, the pain stops.
- If the cause of the spasm is a stressful situation, then the patient is shown herbal sedatives.
It is not recommended to use medicines on your own, as they all have contraindications, side effects.
Forecast and prevention
Spasm of the esophagus, the symptoms and causes of which you have read after reading the article, reduces the quality of life of an individual, including in the absence of serious consequences. The prognosis is influenced by such factors as the severity of the disease, the age of the patient, the duration of symptoms before seeking medical help.
Prevention is an annual examination, which is carried out by a special optical device with an endoscope, as well as the treatment of concomitant diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. All patients are shown medical rehabilitation to prevent relapses.
