Treatment FAQ

what if your having problems with your upper esophageal sphincter what is treatment

by Prof. Izabella O'Kon Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago

Management and Treatment
They may include: Antacids, proton pump inhibitors and histamine receptor (H2) blockers to reduce stomach acid. Endoscopic dilation to open a narrowed esophagus or relax a sphincter muscle. Botulinum toxin (Botox®) injections to temporarily stop esophageal spasms or relax the sphincter muscle.
Aug 10, 2021

How to relax your sphincter muscle with 4 exercises?

Mar 11, 2009 · Upper Esophageal Sphincter Malfunction. If the upper esophageal sphincter doesn't function properly, an acid that has flowed back into the esophagus is allowed into the throat. This can lead to painful medical conditions, such as heartburn or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), the term used to describe repeated cases of heartburn. 2 .

What is the cure for esophageal spasms?

Management and Treatment How are esophageal disorders treated? Treatments vary depending on the condition. They may include: Antacids, proton pump inhibitors and histamine receptor (H2) blockers to reduce stomach acid. Endoscopic dilation to open a narrowed esophagus or relax a sphincter muscle.

What to eat on bland diet for esophageal spasms?

Botulinum toxin injection is a widely used procedure for the treatment of the dysfunction of the upper esophageal sphincter (UES). Although the injection can be guided by ultrasound , electromyography, or computed tomography, such techniques cannot determine the exact extent of narrowed UES and ensure that the narrowed extent is fully covered by the treatment.

What are the different causes of esophagus pain?

Abstract. Since 1951, when it was first used as a treatment for post-poliomyelitis dysphagia, cricopharyngeal myotomy (CPM) has been used in the treatment of various neurogenic, myogenic, structural, and idiopathic disorders. Yet, the efficacy of CPM in treating patients with upper esophageal sphincter (UES) disorders remains controversial.

How do you fix the upper esophageal sphincter?

The definitive treatment for cricopharyngeal dysfunction is a procedure called cricopharyngeus muscle myotomy in which physicians cut the UES in a way that prevents it from over-contracting, so food is no longer blocked from entering the esophagus.

How do you fix esophageal sphincter dysfunction?

Treatment
  1. Pneumatic dilation. A balloon is inserted by endoscopy into the center of the esophageal sphincter and inflated to enlarge the opening. ...
  2. Botox (botulinum toxin type A). This muscle relaxant can be injected directly into the esophageal sphincter with an endoscopic needle. ...
  3. Medication.
Mar 5, 2022

How do you heal the upper esophageal sphincter naturally?

Try to:
  1. Maintain a healthy weight. ...
  2. Stop smoking. ...
  3. Elevate the head of your bed. ...
  4. Don't lie down after a meal. ...
  5. Eat food slowly and chew thoroughly. ...
  6. Avoid foods and drinks that trigger reflux. ...
  7. Avoid tight-fitting clothing.
May 22, 2020

What happens if your upper esophageal sphincter isn't working correctly?

If the upper esophageal sphincter doesn't function properly, an acid that has flowed back into the esophagus is allowed into the throat.Apr 1, 2022

What causes upper esophageal sphincter dysfunction?

Impaired opening of the UES can result from cricopharyngeal fibrosis, disordered neurally-mediated opening, suboptimal pharyngeal driving force, or a combination of these factors.May 16, 2006

Can surgery Fix GERD?

Surgery is very effective in treating GERD. The most common operation for GERD is called a fundoplication. Doctors have done this surgery through an open incision in the belly since the late 1950's, and with a minimally-invasive approach using multiple small incisions since the 1990s.Feb 22, 2022

What opens the upper esophageal sphincter?

The opening of the UES involves relaxation of CP and TP muscles and forward movement of the larynx by the contraction of hyoid muscles. The UES function is controlled by a variety of reflexes that involve afferent inputs to the motorneurons innervating the sphincter.

Is esophageal stricture life threatening?

Many patients need more than one dilation over time to keep the esophagus wide enough for food to pass through. In rare cases, severe and untreated esophageal strictures can cause perforations (small rips), which can be life-threatening.Nov 27, 2020

What foods help acid reflux go away?

Foods That Help Prevent Acid Reflux
  • Whole grains such as oatmeal, couscous and brown rice.
  • Root vegetables such as sweet potatoes, carrots and beets.
  • Green vegetables such as asparagus, broccoli and green beans.

What does a damaged esophagus feel like?

Esophagitis (uh-sof-uh-JIE-tis) is inflammation that may damage tissues of the esophagus, the muscular tube that delivers food from your mouth to your stomach. Esophagitis can cause painful, difficult swallowing and chest pain.Feb 23, 2021

What happens if the esophageal sphincter doesn't close completely?

A band of muscle fibers, the lower esophageal sphincter, closes off the esophagus from the stomach. If the sphincter does not close properly, food and liquid can move backward into the esophagus and cause heartburn and other symptoms known as gastroesophageal disease (GERD).

What is the esophagus?

Contact Us. The esophagus is the muscular tube that extends from the neck to the abdomen and connects the throat to the stomach. The Cleveland Clinic Thoracic surgery department works very closely with the Digestive Disease Institute to diagnosis and treat patients with disorders of the esophagus. The most common disorders treated by thoracic ...

What is the muscular tube that extends from the neck to the abdomen and connects the throat to the stomach?

The esophagus is the muscular tube that extends from the neck to the abdomen and connects the throat to the stomach. The Cleveland Clinic Thoracic surgery department works very closely with the Digestive Disease Institute to diagnosis and treat patients with disorders of the esophagus.

A case report

Beijing Key Laboratory of Rehabilitation Technical Aids for Old-Age Disability, Key Laboratory of Neuro-functional Information and Rehabilitation Engineering of the Ministry of Civil Affairs, Affiliated hospital, National Research Center for Rehabilitation Technical Aids, No.1 Ronghuazhong Road, Beijing Economic and Technological Development Zone, Beijing, China..

Abstract

Botulinum toxin injection is a widely used procedure for the treatment of the dysfunction of the upper esophageal sphincter (UES).

1 Introduction

The dysfunction of the upper esophageal sphincter (UES) can significantly hinder the recovery of patients with dysphagia. [1] Botulinum toxin injection is a widely used procedure for the treatment of UES dysfunction. [2]

2 Case presentation

A 51-year-old male driver with dysphagia after cerebral infarction was admitted to our hospital. He had a cerebral infarction (left radiological crown area) 2 years ago, and the sequela was a speech impairment. The patient could not eat liquid and solid food and was fed through a nasogastric tube.

3 Discussion

UES dysfunction treatment through balloon dilatation using an indwelling bladder catheter was introduced in a previous study. [9] Such a dilatation procedure exerts radial and axial (sheering) forces to the UES with the distended balloon and a pull-up maneuver, similar to the endoscopic balloon catheter dilatation introduced in previous reports.

Acknowledgments

This work was supported by the Beijing Natural Science Foundation (Grant No. 17L20019) and the National Key Technology Support Program of China (Grant Nos. 2015BAI06B02 and 2018YFC2001401).

Supplemental Digital Content

Copyright © 2019 the Author (s). Published by Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc.

What is Swallowing in the CP?

Swallowing is accomplished when three primary conditions exist: (1) the cricopharyngeus muscle (CP) relaxes--that is, it is not tonically contracted, (2) the laryngo-hyoid complex elevates in an anterior- superior direction to open the sphincter, and (3) pharyngeal pressure is sufficient to propel a bolus through the open sphincter.

What is modified barium swallow?

Modified barium swallow is the most common measurement of UES dysfunction; manometry also is used, but to a lesser degree because of catheter motion during swallowing. There are four approaches to CPM, including: (1) the external technique, which is indicated when a muscle biopsy or neck exploration is needed; (2) the endoscopic approach, ...

Why is my upper sphincter not swallowing?

If you're having trouble swallowing, you may need to change the consistency of your foods to improve intake.

How many sphincters are in the esophagus?

Your esophagus has two sphincters, upper and lower. Depending on the affected sphincter, treatment may require a change in diet consistency, nutrient composition or food choices. Consult your doctor before making changes to your diet.

What causes difficulty swallowing?

Diet Consistency and Upper Sphincter. Problems with your upper sphincter usually involve severe contraction of the muscle, which results in difficulty swallowing. If you're having trouble swallowing, you may need to change the consistency of your foods to improve intake. Your doctor determines diet consistency, but it may include pureed, ...

What to do if you have trouble swallowing?

If you're having trouble swallowing, you may need to change the consistency of your foods to improve intake. Your doctor determines diet consistency, but it may include pureed, finely chopped or ground foods. The goal of the diet is to improve diet tolerance and nutritional intake.

What is the cause of GERD?

Gastroesophageal reflux disease, also known as GERD, is a condition caused by a decrease in pressure of your lower esophageal sphincter, or LES , which is the band of muscles separating your stomach from your esophagus. When LES pressure is decreased, the muscles loosen, allowing the contents of your stomach to reflux up into your esophagus.

How to reduce LES pressure?

High-fat foods and fried foods decrease LES pressure, according to the McKinley Health Center. If you have GERD, your doctor will likely recommend that you follow a low-fat diet to improve symptoms. You can limit fat by eating foods that are baked, broiled or steamed without any added fat. Fill your diet with foods naturally low in fat such as fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains prepared without any added fat, nonfat dairy foods and lean sources of protein such as seafood, poultry and beans.

Does chocolate help with esophageal reflux?

Learn More. Chocolate contains a substance called methylxanthine, which is a chemical that improves mood and concentration. This chemical also decreases LES pressure, increasing risk of reflux.

What to do if your esophageal spasms are frequent?

If your spasms are occasional, your doctor might first recommend avoiding extremely hot or cold foods to see if that relieves your symptoms. If your spasms make it difficult to eat or drink, your doctor might recommend: Managing any underlying conditions. Esophageal spasms are sometimes associated with conditions such as heartburn ...

What to do if your esophageal spasm makes it difficult to eat or drink?

If your spasms make it difficult to eat or drink, your doctor might recommend: Managing any underlying conditions. Esophageal spasms are sometimes associated with conditions such as heartburn or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

What is the test for esophageal manometry?

This test measures the rhythmic muscle contractions in your esophagus when you swallow, the coordination and force exerted by the esophagus muscles, and how well your lower esophageal sphincter relaxes or opens during a swallow. X-rays of your upper digestive system (esophagram). X-rays are taken after you drink ...

Can a myotomy be used for esophageal spasms?

Long-term studies of this approach aren't available, so myotomy generally isn't recommended for esophageal spasms.

How to get rid of esophageal spasms?

Choose food that is warm or cool. Let foods and drinks that are very hot or very cold sit for a bit before eating or drinking them. Suck a peppermint lozenge. Peppermint oil is a smooth muscle relaxant and might help ease esophageal spasms. Place the peppermint lozenge under your tongue.

What is the procedure to open the esophagus?

Close. Endoscopy. Endoscopy. An endoscopy procedure involves inserting a long, flexible tube (endoscope) down your throat and into your esophagus. A tiny camera on the end of the endoscope lets your doctor examine your esophagus, stomach and the beginning of your small intestine (duodenum). Your doctor might recommend:

What is the procedure that involves inserting a long, flexible tube (endoscope) down your throat and into

Endoscopy. Endoscopy. An endoscopy procedure involves inserting a long, flexible tube (endoscope) down your throat and into your esophagus. A tiny camera on the end of the endoscope lets your doctor examine your esophagus, stomach and the beginning of your small intestine (duodenum). Your doctor might recommend:

What medications are used for esophagitis?

Drugs that have been linked to esophagitis include: Pain-relieving medications, such as aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others) and naproxen sodium (Aleve, others) Antibiotics, such as tetracycline and doxycycline. Potassium chloride, which is used to treat potassium deficiency.

What keeps the stomach acid out of the esophagus?

A valve-like structure called the lower esophageal sphincter usually keeps the acidic contents of the stomach out of the esophagus. If this valve opens when it shouldn't or doesn't close properly, the contents of the stomach may back up into the esophagus (gastroesophageal reflux).

What are the risk factors for esophagitis?

Risk factors for infectious esophagitis often relate to medications, such as steroids and antibiotics. People with diabetes also are at increased risk of candida esophagitis in particular. Other causes of infectious esophagitis may relate to poor immune system function.

What is the role of eosinophils in esophagitis?

Eosinophils (e-o-SIN-o-fils) are white blood cells that play a key role in allergic reactions. Eosinophilic esophagitis occurs with a high concentration of these white blood cells in the esophagus, most likely in response to an allergy-causing agent (allergen) or acid reflux or both.

What causes esophagitis?

Causes of esophagitis include stomach acids backing up into the esophagus, infection, oral medications and allergies. Treatment for esophagitis depends on the underlying cause and the severity of tissue damage. If left untreated, esophagitis can damage the lining of the esophagus and interfere with its normal function, ...

What are the signs of esophagitis in infants?

In infants and young children, particularly those too young to explain their discomfort or pain, signs of esophagitis may include: Feeding difficulties. Failure to thrive.

Can esophagitis cause scarring?

If left untreated, esophagitis can damage the lining of the esophagus and interfere with its normal function, which is to move food and liquid from your mouth to your stomach. Esophagitis can also lead to complications such as scarring or narrowing of the esophagus, and difficulty swallowing.

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