How Is Esophageal Spasm Treated?

If a person experiences esophageal spasms only once in a while, treatment may not be required. However, a doctor may recommend avoiding certain foods and drinks or the situations which could trigger the condition.

If a person’s esophageal spasms make it difficult to eat or drink, a doctor may recommend the following treatments [2]:

• Managing any underlying medical or health conditions: high blood pressure, heartburn, gastroesophageal reflux disorder, depression or anxiety could be responsible for someone having esophageal spasms. Treating these conditions may alleviate the symptoms of esophageal spasm.
• Medications to relax the swallowing muscles: a doctor may prescribe certain medications which will reduce the severity of esophageal contractions. Nitroglycerin given under the tongue may help a sudden episode of esophageal spasm. Long-acting nitroglycerin and calcium channel blockers are also used for the problem. If a person is dealing with chronic esophageal spasm, a doctor might prescribe low-dose antidepressants to reduce symptoms. 
• Surgery: if a person’s esophageal spasms are severe enough and medication and self-management do not improve the condition, surgery may be necessary either dilate the esophagus or to cut the muscle at the lower end of the esophagus to stop the spasms.

What type of lifestyle modifications can help improve esophageal spasms?

A person may want to try the following:

• Stop smoking and do not use smokeless tobacco products
• Do not wear tight clothing around the midsection
• Identify foods or drinks which trigger esophageal spasms
• Choose food that is warm or cold and avoid foods that are very hot or very cold
• Find effective ways of managing and limiting stress
• If gastroesophageal reflux disease is responsible for esophageal spasms, taking a daily acid controlling medication can be very helpful
• Keep head elevated when sleeping
• Avoid alcohol, especially red wine 
• Do not eat spicy foods
• It can be better to eat smaller meals throughout the day than two or three bigger ones
• After eating a meal wait a few hours before laying down
• Cut out late-night snacking

What kinds of things should you ask your doctor about esophageal spasms?

There are some things you can do to prepare for an appointment with your doctor. The following is a list of suggestions of things to do prior to visiting your physician:

• Write down any questions or concerns you need to discuss
• Make a list of the symptoms you have going on
• Make note of any triggers you notice that might be causing the spasms
• Have a list of all the vitamins, medicines and supplements you take
• Tell the doctor about any key personal information including any recent changes going on in your life
• Bring along family member or friend to help you recall important things

Prognosis

Esophageal spasms can be very painful and a lot of people lose weight due to its symptoms.  With the right diagnosis and medical treatment, many cases of esophageal spasm can be alleviated and resolved. However, if you find no relief from home treatment or prescription medications, your doctor can provide you with other treatment options which can help you manage the symptoms of esophageal spasms and improve your quality of life.