Esophageal Motility Disorder

Esophageal motility disorder is an umbrella term for various disorders that make swallowing and getting food to your stomach difficult.

What is esophageal motility disorder?

Esophageal motility disorder, also known as esophageal dysmotility, is a medical condition characterised by the failure of the muscles in the esophagus to contract properly, resulting in an inadequate delivery of food and liquids into the stomach. This disorder encompasses various swallowing difficulties, including:

– Dysphagia
– Inefficient esophageal motility disorder
– Nutcracker esophagus
– Diffuse esophageal spasm
– Hypertensive lower esophageal sphincter
– Achalasia

Additionally, there are secondary esophageal motility disorders associated with certain conditions such as:

– Diabetes
– GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease)
– Mellitus
– Scleroderma


If you or someone you care about experiences difficulties in swallowing, it is possible that they may be affected by this condition. We encourage you to reach out to our specialists at a location near you for assistance in the treatment and management of esophageal motility disorder.

What causes esophageal motility disorder?

There is not one primary cause for esophageal motility disorder. The causes will be specific to the particular condition you suffer from, but commonly include:

– Weakened esophageal muscles
– Neurological disorder
– Neuromuscular disorder
– Benign or malignant strictures
– Spasms of the esophagus

What are the symptoms of esophageal motility disorder?

Some of the common symptoms and signs of esophageal motility disorders are:

– Acid reflux and heartburn
– Anxiety
– Regurgitation
– Chest pain
– Difficulty swallowing
– Recurring pneumonia
– Weight loss
– The sensation of food getting stuck in your chest or neck
– Poor sleep

If you or someone you love experiences these symptoms, contact a local The Gut Clinic UK right away.

What are the treatments for esophageal motility disorder?

The common treatments for esophageal motility disorder include:

– Muscle spasm medications
– Botulinum toxin or Botox® injection in the areas of the spasm
– Balloon dilation of the lower esophagus to disrupt the abnormal obstructing sphincter
– Heller myotomy – the division of the esophageal sphincter muscle to allow food to pass through
– Surgical manipulation of the valve at the lower esophageal sphincter to reduce pressure on the muscle

Clinical trials are continually being conducted to find new treatments and to improve upon treatments that already exist. To learn more about the treatment options for esophageal motility disorder, please contact any of our specialists in your local area.

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