Overview
Cardiospasm is a nonorganic stenosis of the lower end of the esophagus. In Cardiospasm, the lower oesophageal sphincter fails to relax, resulting in food build up in the upper oesophagus. The muscle between the esophagus and the stomach fails to open, thus preventing food passing through into the stomach. This can cause the food to back up into the esophagus. Cardiospasm is a form of achalasia. This condition must be distinguished from esophageal spasm and reflex spasm at the cardia. It causes dysphagia and regurgitation and sometimes requires surgical division of the muscle.
Causes
Cardiospasm is caused by damage to the nerves that control the esophageal sphincter. The exact cause of cardiospasm is unknown. Inheritance may be a risk factor for some people who develop cardiospasm. Theories on causation involve infection or an abnormality of the immune system that causes the body itself to damage the esophagus. Besides, cancer of the esophagus is also one of the causes.
Symptoms
The
symptoms of cardiospasm include difficulty with swallowing, regurgitation and
pain. Although obstruction and regurgitation are common symptoms, pain occurs
in some rare and severe conditions. Hemorrhage from the esophagus occurs more
rarely. Pulmonary complications are also associated with cardiospasm. Other
possible symptoms may include:
- dysphagia and regurgitation
- pain or discomfort in the chest
- heartburn
- intense pain or discomfort after eating
Diagnosis
It is hard to diagnose cardio spasm because it has clinical resemblance to the cancer of the esophagus. The most important diagnostic procedure of cardiospasm is the roentgenologic examination. The roentgenoscopic diagnosis is based on observation of a barium-filled esophagus. A number of roentgenologic observations are useful and necessary for the diagnosis of cardiospasm. In addition, esophagoscopy is usually unnecessary in making the diagnosis of cardiospasm but is sometimes desirable in order to remove carcinoma. Other diagnostic procedures may include esophageal manometry, X-rays and barium swallow. It is important that the diagnosis of cardiospasm be made early before the decompensated stages have set in.
Treatment
Treatments
for cardiospasm are shown as follows:
- Symptomatic support
- Muscle relaxants
- Botox injection
- Dilation
Please seek professional medical advice about any treatment plans from your doctor.
Keywords:Cardiospasm
