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.