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Esophageal spasm - Treatment

Alternative Names

Diffuse esophageal spasm; Spasm of the esophagus

Treatment:

Sublingual (beneath the tongue) nitroglycerin may be effective in an acute episode. Long-acting nitroglycerin and calcium channel blockers are also used to treat esophageal spasms. Chronic cases are sometimes treated with low-dose antidepressants such as nortriptyline to reduce symptoms.

Rarely, severe cases require surgery.

Expectations (prognosis):

An esophageal spasm may be a condition that comes and goes (intermittent) or lasts for a long time (chronic). Medicine can help relieve symptoms.

Complications:

The condition may not respond to treatment.

Calling your health care provider:

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if you have persistent esophageal spasm symptoms.

  • Reviewed last on: 7/28/2006
  • Jenifer K. Lehrer, MD, Department of Gastroenterology, Frankford-TorresdaleHospital, Jefferson Health System, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.