Motor disorders of the esophagus include a series of diseases of this organ related to problems in its motility.

They are divided into primary diseases of the esophagus such as Achalasia, diffuse spasm, nutcracker esophagus, etc. and secondary to other diseases such as gastroesophageal reflux, scleroderma, infections, etc.

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What symptoms does it cause?

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The main discomfort is the choking of food and/or liquid when swallowing it (dysphagia). This symptom can be of intermittent presentation and to varying degrees, exceptionally it can reach the complete inability to swallow (aphagia).

Another characteristic symptom is chest pain, which can be so intense that it can be confused with a heart attack. In these cases it is very important to rule out this possibility.

There may also be a sensation of something stuck or a foreign body in the neck or esophagus (bolus) and return of liquid or food to the mouth.

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How is it diagnosed?

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The symptoms listed above can be caused by other diseases of the esophagus such as ulcers, infections, narrowing by membranes, fibrosis and tumors.

Upper digestive tract endoscopy allows us to diagnose a large number of these diseases or infer that it is a motor problem.

Esophageal manometry will give us the diagnosis of the type of motor disorder in question.

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Which is the treatment?

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Depending on the type of motor problem is the way to treat it and hence the need for a good diagnosis. Some are managed with medication, in others various endoscopic treatments can be offered and in special cases surgery is the best option.

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