What is diffuse esophageal spasm?
Definition Diffuse esophageal spasm is a term used to define an uncoordinated or spastic esophagus. Description The esophagus is a muscular tube that actively transports food from the throat to the stomach by rhythmic contractions known as peristalsis. The actual mechanism and anatomy are quite complex, involving three distinct segments and allowing a person to swallow even when upside-down. Diffuse esophageal spasm describes a condition where the entire esophagus is spastic–along its entire length, the muscular activity is increased and uncoordinated. The name corkscrew esophagus describes perfectly the appearance of this disorder on x rays. X rays may reveal a slightly different appearance and result in the designation rosary bead esophagus, but the cause is still diffuse spasm, and the two entities behave in the same way. Causes and symptoms The cause appears to be disruption of the complex system of nerves that coordinates the muscular activity. The result is difficulty swallowing
