| Esophageal motility disorder | |
|---|---|
| Other names | Esophageal dysmotility (ED) |
| Diagnostic method | Esophageal motility study Functional Lumen Imaging Probe |
| Treatment | treatment depends on cause |
Anesophageal motility disorder (EMD) is anymedical disorder resulting from dysfunction of the coordinated movement of esophagus, which causesdysphagia (i.e. difficulty inswallowing,regurgitation of food).[1]
Primary motility disorders are:[1]
An esophageal motility disorder can also be secondary to other diseases.[1] For example, it may be a result ofCREST syndrome, referring to the five main features:calcinosis,Raynaud syndrome, esophageal dysmotility,sclerodactyly andtelangiectasia.[2]
The most common symptom of esophageal motility disorders isdysphagia. Compared to causes of mechanical obstruction, which usually coincide with difficulties only with solids, dysphagia occurs in both solid foods and liquids.Heartburn,odynophagia,chest pain, anddyspnea are frequent symptoms of esophageal motility disorders, as they are in otheresophageal disorders. Advancedachalasia is characterized byregurgitation of previously swallowed, undigested food material. Individuals withdiffuse esophageal spasm ornutcracker esophagus, due to disorderedperistalsis propagation, may experience severe chest pain and dysphagia, mimickingcardiac ischemia.[3]
Achalasia's most common symptoms include dysphagia (difficulty swallowing solids and liquids), regurgitation of undigested food, respiratory issues (aspiration and nocturnalcough), chest pain, andweight loss.[4]
Diffuse esophageal spasm (DES) is a motility disorder characterized by recurrent episodes of chest pain or dysphagia as well as nonpropulsive (tertiary) contractions onradiographs.[5]
Nutcracker esophagus is characterized by high-amplitude peristaltic contractions that are frequently prolonged and cause dysphagia and chest pain.[6]
HLES (hypertensive lower esophageal sphincter) is a rare manometric abnormality seen among individuals with dysphagia, chest pain,gastroesophageal reflux, andhiatal hernia.[7]
Testing to diagnose EMD includesbarium esophagography,upper endoscopy, andesophageal manometry.[8]
There is no cure for EMD, but symptoms can be managed. Some symptom management includes eating slower and taking smaller bites; in some cases medications can be useful to manage other issues that contribute to EMD such as aproton pump inhibitor to easegastroesophageal reflux (acid reflux), or a smooth muscle relaxant for issues with the muscles.[8]