What is esophageal spasm?
Esophageal spasm is a painful contraction of the muscle.
A spasm is felt as a sudden, sudden pain in the chest - the discomfort lasts from several minutes to hours. Some people may even think it's heart aching.
Esophageal spasms typically occur only occasionally and might not need treatment. But sometimes the spasms are frequent and can prevent food and liquids from traveling through the esophagus. If esophageal spasms interfere with your ability to eat or drink, treatments are available.
Signs and symptoms of esophageal spasms include:
- Squeezing pain in your chest
- Difficulty swallowing
- The feeling that an object is stuck in your throat.
- The return of food and liquids back up your esophagus (regurgitation).
When to see a doctor
The squeezing chest pain associated with esophageal spasms can also be caused by a heart attack. If you experience squeezing chest pain, seek immediate medical care.
Source:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/esophageal-spasms/symptoms-
causes/syc-20372250
