Diffuse esophageal spasm history and symptoms

Diffuse esophageal spasm Microchapters
Home
Patient Information
Overview
Historical Perspective
Classification
Pathophysiology
Causes
Differentiating Diffuse esophageal spasm from other Diseases
Epidemiology and Demographics
Risk Factors
Screening
Natural History, Complications and Prognosis
Diagnosis
Diagnostic study of choice
History and Symptoms
Physical Examination
Laboratory Findings
Electrocardiogram
X-ray
Echocardiography and Ultrasound
CT scan
MRI
Other Imaging Findings
Other Diagnostic Studies
Treatment
Medical Therapy
Surgery
Primary Prevention
Secondary Prevention
Cost-Effectiveness of Therapy
Future or Investigational Therapies
Guidelines for Management
Case Studies
Case #1
Diffuse esophageal spasm history and symptoms On the Web
Most recent articles
Most cited articles
Review articles
CME Programs
Powerpoint slides
Images
American Roentgen Ray Society Images of Diffuse esophageal spasm history and symptoms All Images X-rays Echo & Ultrasound CT Images MRI
Ongoing Trials at Clinical Trials.gov
US National Guidelines Clearinghouse
NICE Guidance
FDA on Diffuse esophageal spasm history and symptoms
CDC on Diffuse esophageal spasm history and symptoms
Diffuse esophageal spasm history and symptoms in the news
Blogs on Diffuse esophageal spasm history and symptoms
Directions to Hospitals Treating Psoriasis
Risk calculators and risk factors for Diffuse esophageal spasm history and symptoms

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Madhu Sigdel M.B.B.S.[2]

Overview

The hallmark of DES is esophageal dysphagia for both solids and liquids and chest pain. Symptom onset is sudden, intermittent and non-progressive in nature. Chest pain usually retrosternal in location, which is intense and squeezing in nature and may be mistaken for Angina. Difficulty swallowing, is sometimes related to specific substances like red wine, very cold or hot liquid.

History and Symptoms

History

Patients with DES may have a positive history of:

• Dysphagia for both solids and liquids.
• Sensation of food sticking in the esophagus after swallowing. However, there is no difficulty initiating the process of swallowing.

Common Symptoms

Common symptoms of DES include:

• Symptom onset is sudden, intermittent and non-progressive in nature.
• Chest pain usually retrosternal in location, which is intense and squeezing in nature and may be mistaken for Angina.
• Difficulty swallowing, sometimes related to specific substances like red wine, very cold or hot liquid.
• Regurgitation of swallowed food.
• Odynophagia for both solids and liquids.

Less Common Symptoms

Less common symptoms of DES include

• Weight loss
• Heartburn
• symptoms related to other secondary disease.
  • Raynaud's phenomenon (RP) is seen in DES associated with scleroderma. However, degree of esophageal motility dysfunction cannot be predicted based on RP.