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Treatments and drugs
By Mayo Clinic staffTreatment for esophageal spasms may include:
- Managing any underlying conditions. Conditions such as heartburn or GERD may trigger spasms, and treating these conditions may lessen the likelihood of esophageal spasm symptoms. Treating any underlying psychological disorders, such as anxiety or depression, also may help relieve esophageal spasms.
- Behavior modification. Your doctor or a dietitian may suggest avoiding very hot or very cold foods. Avoiding large meals and eating slowly also may be advised.
- Medications. Smooth muscle relaxants, such as calcium channel blockers or nitrates, can reduce the severity of contractions. Your doctor may also prescribe tricyclic antidepressants, such as trazodone and imipramine (Tofranil), to reduce pain. When solely treating esophageal spasms, these medications are given in lower doses than those needed to treat depression. Injection of botulinum toxin into the esophagus has also shown some benefit, but doctors approach this treatment with caution, and only after other treatments have failed. Newer treatments, such as peppermint oil and sildenafil (Viagra), have shown promise in small studies.
- Surgery. In rare cases, surgery may be an option to make esophageal contractions weaker (myotomy) or to remove your esophagus entirely (esophagectomy).
