Esophageal spasm

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Digestive system

Throat anatomy

Diffuse esophageal spasm; Spasm of the esophagus

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.

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

The condition may not respond to treatment.

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

Review Date: 07/28/2006
Reviewed By: Jenifer K. Lehrer, MD, Department of Gastroenterology, Frankford-TorresdaleHospital, Jefferson Health System, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.