Explore Over 11,000+ Conditions, Medications, and Symptoms.

Get a personalized feed by signing up for free.

Jackhammer Esophagus

by Alike Medical Team ∙ Updated on June 13, 2023

Additional names

This group contains additional names: - Hypercontractile esophagus

General

Jackhammer esophagus, also known as hypercontractile esophagus, is a motility disorder of the esophagus characterized by high-pressure contractions (spasm) that resemble the rhythmic motion of a jackhammer. The exact cause of jackhammer esophagus is unknown, but it is believed to be related to abnormalities in the muscles and nerves that control esophageal contractions.

13 people with Jackhammer Esophagus are on Alike.

"Alike is the place to get answers from people who firsthand share your health challenges"

Signs & symptoms

Jackhammer esophagus is a relatively rare condition that can cause symptoms such as chest pain, difficulty swallowing (dysphagia), and heartburn.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of jackhammer esophagus typically involves a combination of tests, including esophageal manometry, which measures the muscle contractions in the esophagus, and an upper endoscopy to rule out other conditions.

Treatment

In severe cases in which the spasms make it difficult to eat or drink, treatment options may include managing underlying conditions, medication to relax the esophageal muscles, and in rare severe cases, surgical interventions. Consultation with a gastroenterologist is recommended for proper diagnosis and management.

Note

☝ We provide information on prescription and over-the-counter medicines, diagnosis, procedures and lab tests. This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.

Alike Wisdom

Instantly get answers to medical questions with our AI, built from the collective wisdom of our community facing similar experiences

pp-logo

Alike is a transformative platform that goes beyond just bringing together patients; it meticulously connects individuals based on multiple critical factors, such as age, gender, comorbidities, medications, diet, and more, fostering a community of knowledge, support and empathy.

appStoreBtngooglePlayBtn

© 2020-2024 Alike, Inc