Esophageal dysmotilityis when the muscles in the throat are not working as well as they should.
Rarely esophageal dysmotility can be a sign of cancer.
The ability to swallow can be affected by a dysmotility disorder.
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There are several different types of esophageal dysmotility disorders.
One jot down includeshypercontractilemotility disorders or spastic motor disorders.
These conditions are sometimes referred to by different names.
There are subtypes in this group that are calleddistal esophageal spasmandhypercontractile (jackhammer) esophagus.
A second bang out is calledachalasia.
Hypomotilitydisorders are a third jot down.
Various Causes of Esophageal Dysmotility
In general, esophageal dysmotility is not always well-defined or understood.
In addition, it might not be possible to find the underlying cause of the condition.
In those cases, it is calledidiopathic, which means a condition is due to an unknown cause.
Achalasia
The underlying cause of achalasia is not well understood.
It is thought that the problem starts with the nerves of the lower part of the esophagus.
This prevents food from moving down through the bottom of the esophagus and into the stomach.
The nerves don’t release enough of the substances that cause the muscles to relax.
This causes the muscles in the esophagus to contract too much.
The result can be forceful contractions of the musclesa spasm.
This is sometimes called an esophageal spasm.
Hypomotility Disorders
The lack of contractions triggered by a hypomotility disorder can sometimes be confused with achalasia.
The muscles of the esophagus are affected by a number of processes in the body.
Having an esophageal dysmotility disorder may cause a number of symptoms.
Some of them are not serious, but others are a medical emergency.
Any bang out of chest pain should be discussed with a healthcare provider.
Confirming Esophageal Dysmotility Through Diagnosis
Dysmotility disorders can be challenging to diagnose.
This condition is treated with a procedure or through surgery.
There are several different techniques used, with newer ones being less invasive.
But this treatment needs to be repeated every six months or so.
These disorders are due to a lack of muscle contractions.
Treatment is aimed at getting the muscles to start working again.
This group of conditions is usually treated using medications.
Or only watchful waiting might be used if symptoms are not too troublesome.
In some cases, this condition is complicated byGERD.
The first step may be to treat the GERD, such as with aproton pump inhibitor (PPI).
If there is a stricture,balloon dilationmight be used to open it up.
Botox injections might also be used, with results lasting about six months.
Much is still not understood about these conditions and how they may overlap and interact.
It may not be possible to prevent the development of a dysmotility disorder.
However, some general tips can help avoid symptoms.
These include:
Summary
The causes of esophageal dysmotility are not completely understood.
However, some forms of esophageal dysmotility, when untreated, can lead to severe difficulties in swallowing.
Achalasia can be progressive (meaning it can worsen), making early diagnosis and treatment important.
This is important for getting treatment and feeling better.
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