What’s an esophageal spasm?

Esophageal spasms cause pain and difficulty swallowing, often triggered by hot or cold drinks. Chronic cases require medical evaluation and treatment, including medication, lifestyle changes, and surgery. Risk factors include heartburn, stress, and GERD. Lifestyle changes can prevent spasms, and medication can help manage symptoms. An esophageal spasm is an abnormal series of muscle contractions […]

What’s a throat spasm?

Throat spasms, or esophageal spasms, temporarily interrupt the ability to swallow food or liquid, causing discomfort and pain. Treatment involves identifying and correcting underlying causes, such as GERD, and making dietary changes. Medications and surgery may also be used in severe cases. Diagnostic tests, including imaging, can confirm the diagnosis. A throat spasm is a […]

What’s cricopharyngeal spasm?

Cricopharyngeal spasm causes a feeling of a lump in the throat and difficulty swallowing saliva, but not food. It is often caused by stress and can be treated with muscle relaxants, stress reduction, and heat therapy. Surgery may be necessary for chronic cases. A cricopharyngeal spasm is a spasm that occurs in the cricopharyngeus muscle. […]

What’s diffuse esophageal spasm?

Diffuse esophageal spasm causes uncoordinated contractions of the esophagus, making it difficult to swallow food and drink. The cause is unknown, but nerve damage and GERD may contribute. Symptoms include chest pain and a burning sensation. Diagnosis involves a manometry test and further tests such as a CT scan or barium swallow. Treatment includes nitroglycerin […]

What’s a coronary spasm?

Coronary artery spasm is a temporary narrowing of the blood vessels that supply blood to the heart, causing ischemia and chest pain. It can be difficult to diagnose and treat, but medications and managing risk factors can help. Cocaine use can complicate the condition and should be disclosed to doctors. Coronary artery spasm is a […]

What’s hemifacial spasm?

Hemifacial spasm is a neuromuscular disorder that causes involuntary twitching on one side of the face. It can be caused by facial trauma, pinched nerves, cancer, or underlying diseases. Treatment includes muscle relaxants, botulinum toxin injections, or surgery. It is more common in senior citizens and those who have suffered injuries to the face, head, […]

What’s a bronchial spasm?

Bronchial spasms are sudden contractions of smooth muscles in the bronchioles, causing acute narrowing of respiratory airways. They can be caused by allergies, respiratory disease, or infection. Symptoms include shortness of breath, chest tightness, coughing, and wheezing. Treatment involves inhalers, expectorants, and antibiotics if caused by infection. A bronchial spasm, also known as bronchospasm, is […]

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