Nutcracker esophagus

Nutcracker esophagus

Nutcracker esophagus (pronunciation: /ˈnʌtkrækər ˌɛsəˈfeɪɡəs/) is a condition characterized by the esophagus exhibiting strong, irregular contractions. These contractions can cause severe chest pain and difficulty swallowing, known as dysphagia.

Etymology

The term "nutcracker esophagus" is derived from the visual appearance of the esophagus during a manometry test, where the strong contractions resemble a nutcracker crushing a nut.

Symptoms

The primary symptoms of nutcracker esophagus include chest pain and dysphagia. Other symptoms may include heartburn, regurgitation, and a sensation of food being stuck in the throat.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of nutcracker esophagus is typically made through a combination of patient history, physical examination, and diagnostic tests such as endoscopy and manometry.

Treatment

Treatment for nutcracker esophagus often involves managing symptoms and may include medications to relax the esophagus, dietary changes, and in severe cases, surgery.

Related Terms

• Esophagus
• Dysphagia
• Chest pain
• Heartburn
• Endoscopy
• Manometry

See Also

• Esophageal motility disorder
• Achalasia
• Diffuse esophageal spasm

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on Nutcracker esophagus
• Wikipedia's article - Nutcracker esophagus

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