The causes of pain in the esophagus: from mild deviations to serious diseases. What is the evidence of a coma in the sternum or esophagus? Some kind of lump in the esophagus treatment

A lump in the esophagus is an unpleasant symptomatic symptom, signaling about internal pathologies of the chest organs, abdominal cavity... Difficulties in swallowing appear due to diseases of the cardiovascular, respiratory system, stomach diseases. To prescribe treatment methods for a feeling of coma in the esophagus, a comprehensive examination is needed to determine the cause of the pathology.

Symptoms

A lump in the esophagus or sternum area is an unpleasant symptom, accompanied by additional signs:

• feeling of a foreign body;
• suffocation, lack of oxygen;
• problems when swallowing;
• painful sensations during tension of the vocal cords;
• cough;
• hoarseness of voice;
• belching;
• unpleasant aftertaste.

Signs are temporary: symptoms appear when changing body position, eating food with coarse fibers, nervous tension, stress, fatigue, overwork.

Causes of occurrence

A lump in the esophagus is a consequence of internal pathologies. The inconstant nature of the manifestation of the sign indicates unbalanced mental health, when there is an uncomfortable sensation in the throat, which passes after a nervous shock, stress. The main reasons for the formation of a coma in the esophagus include:

• pathology of the intestinal tract;
• hernia of the esophageal opening of the diaphragm;
• esophagitis;
• acid reflux;
• chronic neurosis;
• taking medications;
• diseases of the larynx, pharynx;
• malfunctioning thyroid gland;
• dysphagia;
• cardiopathology;
• osteochondrosis;
• respiratory pathology;
• intercostal neuralgia;
• obesity;
• chest contusion;
• cancerous tumors.

The reasons for the unpleasant sensation of a lump in the sternum, esophagus are due to the difference in concomitant signs, and, accordingly, the treatment methods.

Pathology of the gastrointestinal tract

The functioning of the stomach, intestines, gallbladder affects the onset of the feeling of a lump. Digestive problems are associated with non-compliance with the rules of a balanced diet, bad habits, a passive lifestyle, and chronic diseases.

Esophagitis

Inflammation of the mucous membrane of the esophagus is accompanied by pain syndromes, burning, lump, vomiting, constant belching, decreased motor function of the muscular system, increased body temperature, and abundant saliva. The nature of the signs depends on the localization, degree, and form of damage to the inner walls.

Symptoms are felt with esophageal spasms of various forms:

• idiopathic;
• secondary.

An idiopathic type of esophagospasm develops with damage to the nerve endings of the muscle layer of the esophagus, the secondary - with pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract: ulcers, hernias of the apertures of the diaphragm. The acute, chronic form of esophagitis is a consequence of the penetration of infections, viruses, pathogenic bacteria, chemical or thermal burns of the mucous membrane, allergic reaction for medicines, food.

Reflux disease

The feeling of a lump appears with gastroesophageal reflux disease - a decrease in the motor function of the esophageal sphincter, irritation of the mucous membrane due to the spontaneous release of hydrochloric acid from the stomach.

The main symptoms of pathology are:

• nausea;
• discharge of vomit;
• cough;
• suffocation;
• difficulty swallowing food;
• weakness;
• irritability.

The appearance of reflux disease is associated with malnutrition, abuse of addictions, lifting weights, exercising after eating, chronic pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract, changes in hormonal balance, and exposure to stress.

Hernia of the diaphragm

The pathology is characterized by rupture of the connecting membrane of the diaphragm opening. Thinning of the ligament is associated with high intra-abdominal pressure, pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract, malnutrition, alcohol abuse, tobacco, chest injuries, age-related changes. Esophageal problems are observed after meals. A hernia is accompanied by sour belching, heartburn, cramping behind the breastbone, a feeling of heaviness.

Chronic neurosis

Stress, increased susceptibility negatively affects the functioning of the body. Neurosis occurs when changing the usual way of life, moving, dismissal, emotional shock, excessive anxiety. The disease is characterized by irritability, loss of strength, apathy. Physiological changes are associated with a lack of oxygen during severe stress, nervous overstrain due to the expansion of the epiglottis cleft, as a result of which the resulting lump interferes with breathing, saying a word. With neuropathy caused by infections, toxins, there is no sense of the presence of a foreign body.

Taking medications

A long course of anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antibacterial, steroid drugs leads to chronic diseases the intestinal tract due to the specific reaction of the components of the drugs. Taking medications promotes inflammation of the mucous membrane, which is accompanied by a feeling of a lump in the esophagus, belching, and severe pain.

Diseases of the ENT organs

A lump is felt with pathologies of the throat, larynx, pharynx, nose:

• laryngitis;
• rhinitis;
• sinusitis;
• pharyngitis;
• abscess;
• tonsillitis;
• angina.

Diseases are infectious, viral in nature. The feeling of a coma in the esophagus is associated with the accumulation of mucus in the pharyngeal region. The feeling of a foreign body is accompanied by high fever, sore throat, swollen lymph nodes. A persistent feeling of stuck coma may indicate the presence of polyps, cysts, papillomas, fibroids, or malignant neoplasms.

Diseases of the thyroid gland

An increase or decrease in the function of the thyroid gland is associated with hormonal changes, iodine deficiency, metabolic disorders in the body, and abuse of tobacco products. The main symptoms of pathology are sensation, profuse sweating, chills, dry and brittle nail plate, hair structure, memory impairment, irritability. Discomfort in the throat is manifested in serious diseases of the thyroid gland: diffuse or nodular goiter. Concomitant signs of partial, complete damage - dry cough, hoarseness, a feeling of stuck food, difficulty breathing.

Dysphagia

Unpleasant sensations in the chest are associated with impaired swallowing function in tuberculosis, damage to the tongue, gums. Inflammatory processes of the mucous membrane of the esophagus, pharynx, larynx, the presence of cicatricial deformities on the inner membranes are accompanied by spasms during eating, a lump that worries and presses.

The feeling that food is stuck is observed with symptomatic, true form of dysphagia. The main signs of the disease are:

• throwing undigested food into the mouth, nose, respiratory tract due to obstruction of food through the esophageal tube;
• suffocation;
• cough;
• hoarseness;
• profuse salivation;
• difficulty swallowing food and water with the progression of pathology.

Diseases of the cardiovascular system

Cardiological pathologies are characterized by a disturbance in the heart rhythm, breathing, pain, a feeling of a lump in the throat, and difficulty eating. Dangerous diseases include ischemia, heart attack, myocarditis, angina pectoris.

Osteochondrosis

Osteochondrosis of the cervical, thoracic region - pinching of nerve endings, when there are violations of the motor functions of organs digestive systemlocated in the chest cavity. Spine disease occurs due to a passive lifestyle, lack of physical exercise, constant sitting position, increased body weight. Osteochondrosis is characterized by regular headaches, difficulty moving cervical, hands.

Respiratory system pathologies

Difficulties with a set of air, accompanied by the formation of a coma, appear with diseases of the respiratory system: bronchial asthma, tuberculosis, pleural inflammation. With pathologies, there is a lack of oxygen during inhalation, problems with swallowing food, severe attacks cough.

Intercostal neuralgia

Pinching of the intercostal nerves occurs with deep breathing, exercise. Pathology is accompanied by spasms between the ribs, lump, nausea after eating.

Body weight above the established norm negatively affects the functioning of the digestive system. Excess weight compresses the stomach, intestines, resulting in a violation of the motor function of the muscles.

Chest trauma

In case of bruises, fractures, cracks, injuries of the spine and thoracic zone, there are failures of cellular nutrition of soft tissues, the appearance of puffiness. Dangerous symptoms, accompanied by a feeling of a lump, are bruises on skin, deterioration of health, burning pain. Associated signs may indicate internal bleeding, organ damage.

Cancer neoplasms

The initial stage of oncology is not accompanied by severe symptoms. The progression of a malignant tumor leads to squeezing of the organs of the digestive tract, resulting in unpleasant symptoms:

• difficulty swallowing;
• food through the esophageal tube;
• burning sensation;
• severity;
• belching.

When the tumor grows in size, pain is observed in the region of the heart.

Diagnostics

To identify the true cause of the pathology, you should consult a doctor for a comprehensive examination. The results of visual examination, laboratory tests and instrumental diagnostics will help determine the methods of treatment:

• donation of blood, urine, feces; hormonal research;
• radiography;
• magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography;
• fibroscopy;
• cardiac monitoring;
• ultrasound examination of the abdominal, chest cavity, throat.

Identification of the etiology of the disease allows you to prescribe effective treatment.

Therapies

The appearance of pronounced signs is not recommended to be treated on your own. All actions must be agreed with the doctor. There are several methods of treatment: taking medications, adhering to a diet, exercise therapy, methods of traditional medicine, surgery. The treatment option depends on the etiology of the disease.

Medications

If the cause of the lump is nervous overstrain, then the main medication - a sedative based on herbal ingredients: Novo-passit, Nervo-Vita, Trazodone. In case of fatigue - a consequence of constant excitement, anxiety - vitamin and mineral complexes are prescribed.

Thyroid pathologies are associated with a deficiency of important chemical elements. Therefore, it is imperative to use iodine-containing means Iodomarin, Iodbalance. In diseases of the gastrointestinal tract associated with the injection of hydrochloric acid, drugs are prescribed to normalize the alkaline balance: antacids, antisecretory drugs, prokinetics. If the pathology is caused by infections, viruses, it is necessary to take anti-inflammatory, antibacterial agents, antibiotics. To eliminate pain, antispasmodics No-shpa, Papaverin, Cerucal are prescribed.

Diet

Proper nutrition is a mandatory method of therapy if the ailment is associated with diseases of the intestines, stomach: esophagitis, hiatal hernia, acid reflux. The main rules of the diet are adherence to the diet, exclusion from the diet of harmful, heavy foods that can irritate and damage the mucous membrane.

With pathologies of the thyroid gland, the main ingredients of the menu are seaweed, fish, persimmons, potatoes, strawberries, tomatoes, onions, bananas.

Folk ways

You can feel unpleasant sensations after eating, playing sports. To quickly relieve symptoms that cause discomfort, you can turn to proven methods of traditional medicine. Honey, herbal preparations from plantain, anise, flax, nettle have healing properties. Herbal ingredients are used as components for infusions, decoctions. Drinks have a firming, antibacterial, analgesic effect. Hiking, good sleep, and rejection of addictions have a beneficial effect on the functioning of the body. Effective methodwhat to do if food is stuck - use the Heimlich trick.

During times of strong psychological stress, many people have encountered such an unpleasant feeling as a lump in the esophagus. If the reason is a stressful situation, then this feeling goes away by itself, as soon as the person calms down, relaxes, the state is normalized nervous system.

But the feeling of a lump does not always arise only as a result of an emotional outburst. There are also some diseases with similar symptoms.

Causes

Unpleasant sensations in the throat, difficulty swallowing can arise both directly from problems with the functioning of the digestive system, and from pathology of organs that are topographically located near the esophagus.

If there is a constant desire to cough, hoarseness during a conversation, soreness when eating, a feeling of lack of air, experts recommend examining:

• the esophagus and the digestive tract as a whole;
• the thyroid gland;
• ENT organs;
• cardiovascular system;
• spine condition.

Ingestion of a foreign body, chest trauma, intercostal neuralgia can also cause characteristic symptoms.

Diseases of the esophagus

The feeling of a lump in the esophagus can be observed with esophagospasm. This disease is characterized by the development of uncoordinated contractions, the function of the lower esophageal sphincter is not impaired.

Among the main forms of the disease, doctors distinguish:

• Idiopathic esophagospasm. Due to the defeat of the nerve plexuses located in the intermuscular layer, a violation of nervous regulation occurs.
• Esophagospasm of a secondary nature. Develops as accompanying symptom peptic ulcer, esophagitis, hiatal hernia, diabetic neuropathy.

The manifestations of esophageal spasm are pain in the chest area. They can occur both when eating food and spontaneously at rest. It is important to note that emotional stress increases the severity of pain. Patients often complain of a lump in the esophagus, lasting from seconds to 20-30 minutes.

Dysphagia

The main signs of the disease are pain at the time of swallowing (inability to swallow), a constant feeling of a lump in the throat. Dysphagia occurs due to inflammatory processes of the esophagus, pharynx, larynx. Cicatricial narrowing, foreign bodies, tumors can also cause characteristic manifestations... Among the causes of impaired swallowing, doctors also identify mechanical compression of the esophagus, which can be observed with aortic aneurysm, nodular goiter.

But in addition to symptomatic or secondary dysphagia, there is also a true form. It develops with disorders of nervous regulation and is episodic.

Concomitant signs of the disease are also:

1. Pain in the upper abdomen.
2. Heartburn.
3. Belching.
4. Due to the throwing of stomach contents into the pharynx, patients complain of an unpleasant taste in the mouth.

If the disease occurs against the background of esophagitis, hoarseness of the voice, increased salivation, a feeling of lack of air are often observed.

Diseases of the thyroid gland

Iodine deficiency in the body, hormonal imbalance become the causes of hyper- or, conversely, dysfunction of thyroid cells. In this case, hyperplasia of the thyroid tissue occurs, which can be both diffuse and focal in nature.

The increased size of the gland leads to compression of the esophagus and to the appearance of a feeling of coma.

Thyrotoxic goiter is characterized by an increase in heart rate, bulging, a sharp decrease in body weight, disorders of the nervous system (nervousness, tearfulness). As a rule, the impetus for the development of the disease is given by a strong stressful situation, a nervous shock.

Diseases of the ENT organs

Due to the topographic proximity of the ENT organs and the esophagus, tonsillitis (acute or chronic), pharyngitis, laryngitis can provoke a feeling of a lump in the esophagus. In most cases, these diseases occur as a result of the ingestion of infectious agents. Flowing in the background elevated temperature body deterioration general condition... Depending on the localization of the lesion, there may be hoarseness, sore throat, and enlargement of regional lymph nodes.

In addition to inflammatory diseases, the sensation of a lump can also be caused by a neoplasm... The otolaryngologist will be able to identify the true cause after a full examination.

Heart disease

Angina pectoris, myocardial infarction is often accompanied by a feeling of coma in the esophagus. But this is far from the only sign of ailments. Also, cardiac patients complain of pain in the region of the heart with irradiation to the left arm, increased blood pressure, tachycardia, respiratory and heart rhythm disturbances.

Osteochondrosis

Lack of physical activity, prolonged stay in a static position, the presence of excess body weight - all these are predisposing factors in the development of such a disease as osteochondrosis. The defeat of the cervical region occurs quite often, even at a young age.

It would seem, what is the connection between the state of the spine and the appearance of a feeling of a lump in the esophagus? And everything is explained by the fact that due to the growth of osteophytes on the vertebrae, compression of the nerve endings occurs. Disorders of the innervation of the thoracic region are manifested by characteristic symptoms. Also, this ailment is accompanied by severe headaches, stiffness of the cervical spine. To clarify the diagnosis, you need to contact a neurologist.

It is important to note: the feeling of a coma in the esophagus is a sign, a consequence of the underlying disease, which may not be directly related to the organs of the digestive system. What exactly is the reason for this symptomatology is determined by the doctor. That is why, in order to avoid complications, you do not need to self-medicate, but as soon as possible seek specialized medical care.

Diseases and disorders of the digestive tract are an urgent problem in our time. Most often, many people are faced with a nuisance when pain in the esophagus occurs completely unexpectedly and for no known reason. In some cases, discomfort and discomfort can be eliminated on their own and without additional help. But. it is also possible that the presence of pain indicates a certain disease.

The esophagus is particularly important body, which takes an active part in the work of digestion. It is one of the key links that connects the mouth and stomach. If it does not work properly, there are violations in the form of pain and difficulty swallowing. Particular attention is paid to the presence of pain.

Pain in the esophagus can have a completely different origin. Timely examination and treatment should not be relegated to the background. Having discovered the cause of the pain in a timely manner, you can quickly cope with it without harming yourself and the body.

Causes of pain

Pain within the esophagus and the reasons that provoke it can be roughly divided into two groups. The first group represents relatively harmless causes. They are associated with a violation of the diet and the introduction of a specific inappropriate lifestyle, which includes the presence bad habits and low activity. Also here is the love of exotic dishes, which often contain an excessive amount of seasonings and spices. Excessive use heavy food (fried, smoked, spicy) can also cause pain in the esophagus.

The second group of reasons includes the presence of specific ailments and mechanical damage.

Additional symptoms: what it indicates and what it says

A spasm can appear anywhere in the esophagus, especially in the sphincter area. This is explained by the fact that the sphincters have many nerve endings. For one type of patient, there is a characteristic sharp and cutting pain, while others experience a feeling of discomfort "lump" in the chest area. This pain is often mistaken for heart pain. The pain syndrome can last for several seconds, and in some cases for about an hour in a row, which forces patients to use antispasmodics.

The main signs of pain are:

• pain that manifests itself between the shoulder blades;
• pain in the chest area;
• irradiation of pain to the ears, back, jaw, or arm;
• dysphagia of varying degrees (inability to swallow food);
• painful spasm radiating to the chest (arising from exertion).

Serious difficulty in swallowing food can occur with the consumption of food of any consistency, and in some cases, with the use of drinks. Pain and trouble swallowing can occur separately from each other.

Important: In some patients, pain occurs in unusual conditions, for example, at rest, during sleep or while swallowing saliva.

Esophageal spasm is divided into acute and chronic. The chronic type of spasm is typical for people who are especially prone to anxiety. Such people have a painful or uncomfortable feeling of tightness in upper section esophagus and the desire to drink even liquid and mushy foods.

What to do with pain in the esophagus?

If pain occurs in the area of \u200b\u200bthe esophageal tube, it is imperative to go to the clinic and undergo diagnostic tests. This is the only way to determine the cause of pain and discomfort, and then begin effective treatment under the supervision of a competent doctor. It is impossible to get rid of an obsessive symptom on your own and without the help of a specialist.

An effective diagnostic method is an x-ray of the esophagus with a contrast agent. This method allows you to assess the condition of the walls of the esophageal tube. Another very effective and safe diagnostic method is gastroscopy. With the help of this study, the doctor concludes that there are ulcers, erosions or neoplasms on the walls of the esophagus.

If a neoplasm is detected during gastroscopy, the doctor takes a tissue scraping and sends them for a biopsy. This type of study allows you to determine the nature of the tumor: malignant or benign. When a particular type of cell is detected, appropriate therapy is prescribed. Also, a specialist may prescribe an ultrasound scan and some tests.

After passing these diagnostic procedures, the doctor prescribes diet therapy for the patient. In some cases, it is shown drug therapy, the action of which is aimed at removing inflammatory process and pain relief.

Diet, treatment and prevention

Eating a diet for stomach and esophageal pain is incredibly important. It allows you to carry out a kind of unloading and relieve the esophagus from excessive overexertion. Therefore, in order to achieve tangible results, it is necessary to strictly adhere to the following recommendations:

• do not overeat;
• give up excessively rough food;
• chew food thoroughly;
• exclude spicy, salty, smoked, fried foods from the diet;
• stop eating raw vegetables;
• include cereals, cream soups, mashed potatoes in your diet;
• drink more water.

If the problem causing the pain is not critical, then diet and rest will give the desired results within the first few days. You should not rely on the effectiveness of the diet if you periodically ignore a number of rules.

In order for the result of the treatment to be fixed, it is necessary to ensure peace for oneself, namely, not to overstrain physically, to avoid mechanical accidental damage.

If there is no result, the problem should be eliminated with medication. So, turning to a gastroenterologist, it is necessary to undergo a series of examinations and establish the process of normal food intake.

In some cases, herbal medicine is indicated to patients. It allows you to replenish the water balance and at the same time has a quick healing effect. So, doctors recommend using tea with chamomile, mint and St. John's wort for pain in the esophagus. This allows you to relieve inflammation, reduces gagging and further enhances the protective properties of the immune system.

When you feel a coma in the esophagus, the causes of this condition can be varied. How to establish exactly your reason in order to get rid of this feeling?

State characteristic

A lump in the esophagus is a purely subjective concept. This condition can be felt differently for each person. Someone cannot swallow saliva or choked on water and food, someone has pain.

The condition in which a lump is felt in the esophagus can be organic or functional. Adults and children, women and men can experience this phenomenon. And everyone will describe it differently.

However, there are some common featuresthat people talk about:

1. They say that inside it is as if there is some kind of foreign body that interferes with normal permeability.
2. It can appear and disappear suddenly, or it can exist permanently.

Possible diseases

As already mentioned, the sensation of a coma can appear as a result of functional disorders or organic damage. The main symptoms for these reasons are similar, but each case has its own characteristics. Such sensations caused by any diseases are especially different, because other symptoms also join.

Most often, this state is observed with some kind of emotional overload. These overloads can be experienced by different categories of people:

1. Children on first visit kindergarten or school, change of educational institution, unfavorable family environment.
2. Women, especially those with a hysterical personality type - they may have this feeling several times a day.
3. Pregnant women and women who have just given birth - they are subject to hormonal fluctuations in the body and anxiety for their child.
4. Men who engage in emotionally demanding activities that require increased attention and concentration.

In addition to these groups of people, episodic sensations of a lump in the esophageal tube can be observed in persons experiencing one-time emotional stress: before an exam, a job interview, in other exciting life situations.

As a rule, such conditions are reversible, and after adaptation of a person to changed environmental conditions, this sensation completely disappears.

Another type of functional disorder leading to a similar condition occurs in people with mental health problems and diseases:

1. Hysteria.
2. Neuroses.
3. Schizophrenia.
4. Affective insanity.

These sensations usually accompany a person constantly, although there is no organic nature of the state. It is not yet possible to cure this condition, since there is no treatment for mental disorders. It is only possible to reduce the severity of these manifestations for a while.

Organic causes

There are many more organic reasons for the sensation of a lump behind the sternum than functional ones. They can be associated with damage to organs and tissues, with various diseases... Therefore, when a person complains of such a sensation, one should first exclude all functional disorders, and then find out the specific organic cause.

The feeling of a coma in the esophagus can be found in any age group.

A very young child, of course, cannot complain about a problem that has arisen. But older children can already explain what worries them. Most common reason in young children it is indeed the presence of a foreign body there. These can be completely different items:

1. Details of toys.
2. Buttons.
3. Coins.
4. Fruit pits.

If such a complaint appeared against the background of an infectious disease with damage to the respiratory tract, perhaps these are the first signs of stenosis of the larynx. And the child simply cannot indicate the exact location of the unpleasant sensation.

In adults, the causes of coma in the esophagus are even more diverse. Often they are associated with certain diseases, and it does not have to be diseases of the esophagus.

Other factors of occurrence

It is worth considering in more detail all groups of diseases that can lead to this condition:

1. Pathology of the nervous system. Neurological disorders can cause more than just a functional lump sensation in the esophagus. The fact is that the esophagus region contains nerve endings and plexuses. Their defeat can cause a feeling of a foreign body that interferes with the patency of the esophagus. The larger the area of \u200b\u200bthe damaged nerve, the more pronounced this sensation. The condition is not stopped by any drugs and disappears only after the restoration of the nervous tissue. The phenomenon can occur when mechanical damage nerve fiber or for some infectious diseasesaffecting the nervous tissue (herpes zoster).
2. Pathology of the muscles of the chest. Since the esophagus is protected by the muscle frame, it can also cause the feeling of a lump in it. This happens with muscular dystrophy - a rare genetic disease... Muscles with this pathology are atrophic, the chest, as it were, compresses and squeezes the esophagus - hence the feeling of a foreign body not only in the esophagus, but also in the larynx.
3. Bone system pathology. Diseases of the bones forming chest, - ribs, sternum and vertebrae - contributes to the appearance of a foreign body feeling in the esophagus. This is due to the fact that along its length it comes into contact with these bones. Bone tumors, osteomyelitis, fractures - all this leads to pressure on the esophagus, subsequently there is a feeling of a lump in it.
4. Lung pathology. The lungs come into contact with a portion of the esophagus. This means that lung tumors cause compression of the esophagus. Sometimes a feeling of a coma in the esophagus can cause pneumonia if the focus is in the upper or middle lobes.
5. Pathology of the heart and blood vessels. Adjacent to the esophagus is such a large vessel as the aorta. Aortic aneurysms - the sac-like bulges in the wall - can press on the esophagus, causing a feeling of coma. The same applies to aneurysms and cardiac tumors. Most often in this case, the feeling of a coma in the esophagus is caused by myxoma - a benign tumor of the atria. In addition to tumor processes, the feeling of a lump in the esophagus can cause heart diseases such as angina pectoris and myocardial infarction. These pathologies cause not a direct effect on the esophagus, but an indirect one - the irradiation of pain. Often, according to this option, painless myocardial infarction proceeds. There is no typical pain syndrome, and the person feels pressure behind the sternum and an unlocalized feeling of a foreign body in this area.
6. Infectious diseases. There are some infections that can make you feel like a lump in your esophagus. Among them are herpesvirus infection, botulism, measles, rubella, diphtheria.
7. The metabolic state of the body. Changes in metabolism can contribute to the feeling of a lump behind the breastbone. These include pathology of the thyroid gland, imbalance of sex hormones, obesity, diabetes mellitus.

Organ pathology

And finally, the main reason for the sensation of a lump in the esophagus is changes in it:

1. Tumors and tumor-like diseases - fibroma, malignant tumor, diverticulosis. All of them obstruct the patency of the esophagus and cause characteristic symptoms.
2. Mucosal pathology - polyps, burns, erosion. In this case, the person also experiences pain.
3. The feeling of a lump can be caused by mechanical injury, a foreign body in the esophagus cavity, adhesions inside it.

A lump in the esophagus can also appear in the case of improper eating behavior - when eating food on the run, dry food, without thoroughly chewing, if the food is too hot or cold, if a person drinks large amounts of liquid quickly.

Sometimes the feeling of a lump persists after some medical manipulations - esophagogastroscopy, duodenal intubation, nasogastric (for nutrition).

Any sensation of a lump in the esophagus requires the advice of a specialist because it can be caused by a serious medical condition.

The main job of the esophagus is to carry food from the pharynx to the stomach. During normal functioning, this tubular muscular organ contracts for its gradual movement. The action is soft, painless for the body, which practically does not notice the undulating movements. If this natural process is disturbed by convulsive contractions of the muscles of the esophagus, causing pain and panic, the main thing is to find the cause of the spasm and eliminate it.

What happens with esophagospasm

A spasm is an uncontrolled, sharp and painful compression of the esophagus tube in different parts, in which the movement of the food bolus stops.

Convulsive contractions of the muscles of the esophageal tube with spasm

The main symptoms that the patient complains about:

• dysphagia (disorder of the swallowing process);
• seizures acute pain behind the sternum, in the pharynx, in the area between the shoulder blades;
• heaviness and feeling of a "lump" stuck in the throat;
• compression in the chest or upper stomach.

Symptoms occur for a short time, not only when swallowed, but also during walks, work, and rest.

Causes

In most cases, the disease in its primary form (in the form of episodes) manifests itself when:

• severe overwork;
• food or drug poisoning, general intoxication of the body of various origins;
• infectious diseases such as acute bronchitis, flu, measles, scarlet fever;
• overexcitation, stressful situations; intense fear;
• lack of sleep;
• high fever, cramps;
• the ingress of a foreign body into the esophagus (small objects, chicken, fish bone);
• microtrauma of the walls of the esophagus due to eating too hard food;
• eating very cold, spicy, dry, or hot food;
• incorrectly selected dentures.

Difficulty swallowing fluids with esophageal spasm

The chronic course of the disease is associated with a violation of the reflex mechanism of swallowing, which occurs due to:

• inflammation of the vagus nerve;
• lesions of the nerve nodes surrounding the esophagus;
• intoxication of the body during infectious and allergic diseases;
• weak tone of the muscular tube of the esophagus or its paralysis caused by diseases connective tissue and endocrine organs;
• lesions of the nervous system (neuroses, panic attacks, long-term hidden stressful situations);
• inflammation of the mucous membrane or tissues of the esophageal tube (esophagitis, gastroesophageal reflux, peptic ulcer and gallstone disease, hernia of the esophagus);
• meningoencephalitis - inflammation of the lining of the brain.

Types of esophageal spasm and their symptoms

The disease can manifest itself in several forms, differing in symptoms and manifestations.

Diffuse

It manifests itself in uncoordinated prolonged muscle movements along the entire length of the esophageal tube. On the roentgenogram, an extended spasm of the wall is observed.

Typical symptoms:

• severe pain behind the sternum or in the zone of transition of the esophageal tube into the stomach, which spreads up to the neck with a return to the shoulders and lower jaw... An attack of pain occurs regardless of the act of swallowing;
• paradoxical difficulty in swallowing, the so-called dysphagia, manifests itself more strongly when swallowing mushy food or drinks and less when trying to swallow solid food;
• at the end of the attack, regurgitation is possible.

Duration - from ten minutes to several hours.

Frequency - from several times during eating or outside of this process to several attacks per month.

Development of diffuse esophageal spasm

Segmental

With this type of contraction occurs in certain areas with great intensity. There is a deformation of the esophageal tube in the form of "nutcracker esophagus" or in the form of "rosary".

Symptoms:

• difficulty in swallowing puree food (soft cottage cheese, liquid cereals, sour cream), as well as foods saturated with fiber (fruits, vegetables, bread);
• frequent manifestations of dysphagia with the use of any fluids;
• pains are of a moderate degree, manifested in the lower part of the sternum; the spasm starts and stops gradually.

Duration from a few seconds to three to four hours.

Frequency - from two to four times with meals to several times a month.

Compression of the muscles of the esophagus with spasm

Nervous spasmodic (nerve spasm)

In this form, an involuntary, convulsive contraction of the muscles of the esophagus occurs. The reason for this condition is considered to be a strong nervous shock, fright, prolonged stress, depression.

An attack can happen:

1. During meals, when the retention of the food lump when it is compressed by the muscles of the esophagus is accompanied by the following symptoms:

• occurs suddenly, acutely;
• food does not enter the stomach, getting stuck for a while in the esophagus, pushing with great difficulty in the direction of the stomach;
• if it is impossible to get into the stomach, the food lump is excreted through involuntary vomiting;
• vomiting with esophagospasm of a neurotic nature differs from the usual gastric one - it occurs practically during meals, and vomit consists of undigested food without hydrochloric acid and pepsin.

2. With a strong neurological disorder an attack develops suddenly, regardless of food intake. Symptoms:

• pains resemble attacks of angina pectoris, capturing the chest area;
• painful sensations range from slight pressure to sharp soreness, burning, constriction and a feeling of a foreign body getting stuck (a "lump" in the throat). The feeling of "coma" occurs when the initial sections of the esophageal tube are contracted and is observed with neuroses and hysteria;
• a feeling of suffocation;
• spasm and urge to vomit can occur with strong smells, sounds, fear.

Pain in these cases lasts from a few seconds to many hours with varying degrees of intensity.

With an initial attack that happened during eating, a symptom of dysphagia can subconsciously gain a foothold and subsequently arise reflexively when trying to swallow something.

Coarse, spicy food increases the painfulness, forcing the person to refuse to eat.

It should be remembered that the patient may simultaneously manifest different types of esophagospasm.

How to urgently relieve esophageal spasm at home

1. In a state of spasm, the patient is often able to drink warm liquid in a small amount (better than milk or chamomile infusion). This tends to help the food move further and the pain subsides.
2. If urgent assistance is needed, in order to quickly relieve the spasm, atropine is injected intravenously or intramuscularly.
3. A quick result is obtained by nitroglycerin, absorbed under the tongue. But at the same time, it is necessary to monitor blood pressure indicators, since nitroglycerin sharply lowers it.
4. Reduce the spasm of the esophageal muscles when swallowing will help medicationsfor example diltiazem and nifedipine. However, before using them, it is necessary to consult a doctor in order to exclude possible contraindications.

Diagnosis and treatment of esophageal spasm

It is imperative to differentiate (distinguish) the state of spasm of the muscles of the esophagus from an attack of angina pectoris. Sternum pain is an unreliable sign. With this symptom, the suspicion of heart disease increases if the patient is over 50 years old, and the pain subsides after nitroglycerin resorption. The fact is that nitroglycerin helps well in both cases, relieving both an attack of esophagospasm and pain in angina pectoris. To exclude the diagnosis of angina pectoris, a heart examination is performed based on electrocardiography.

With esophageal spasm, pain manifests itself mainly in the course of swallowing water or food, and this symptom is important for making a diagnosis if other research methods are unavailable or uninformative.

Special studies are carried out to find out if signs of spasm are the result of stomach cancer, achalasia, gastroesophageal reflux disease, neurological problems in which the muscles of the esophagus and its sphincter function with impairment.

Spasm of the esophageal tube is visible on radiography with a contrast suspension

To confirm the diagnosis of esophagospasm, patients are examined by a gastroenterologist, do x-ray examination, fibroscopy. When diagnosing spasm of the esophagus, fluoroscopy with the use of a contrast agent reveals spasm in certain areas where there is a delay in barium suspension. It is often observed that the spasmodic or narrowed area acquires the shape of a funnel.

To cure esophageal spasm, you must:

• make the correct diagnosis;
• find the root cause (underlying disease) that provoked the spasm;
• eliminate it.

Drug treatment

Applicable complex therapy, aimed at simultaneously eliminating all the symptoms that have arisen during esophageal spasm.

* If the pain subsides only an hour after the administration of atropine, and after 2 hours it recurs, this indicates functional obstruction.

Any drugs have contraindications and allergenic components in the composition. Apply in doses and according to the scheme indicated by the doctor.

Physiotherapy

To stabilize the functions of the nervous system, physiotherapy courses are successfully used:

• electrophoresis of novocaine;
• galvanization procedures;
• inductotherapy;
• microwave therapy;
• warm radon, coniferous, carbon dioxide baths;
• wet wraps lasting up to 1 hour, every other day.

If treatment with medication and physical therapy does not help, surgery is recommended. It is carried out in rare, serious cases when other methods do not work.

Traditional therapy

Herbal remedies are prescribed to stabilize the nervous system, normalize sleep, relieve panic conditions, anxiety, fears. Among such folk remedies are preparations of motherwort, peony evading, valerian rhizomes, hops. Herbs with antispasmodic properties are also used: sage, peppermint, chamomile flowers. Elecampane root is most often used as an anti-inflammatory herbal remedy.

Photo gallery: Medicinal herbs that are most often prescribed for esophagospasm

Valerian has a strong sedative effect, relieves spasms Chamomile acts as an anti-inflammatory, sedative Motherwort relieves spasms, pains, neurosis
Peppermint is prescribed for cramps and pain.

The use of folk remedies in the treatment of esophageal spasm

Unconventional treatments

An unconventional method of treating spasms is professional acupuncture. There are 3 courses of 10 sessions each. There are contraindications. Acupuncture can help not only spasm but also paralysis of the esophagus.

Treatment of esophageal spasm by electroacupuncture

An effective way to relieve spasms is an independent massage of three active points. They are located on the midline of the chest, one is below the fossa in the neck, the second is between the chest, the third is in the middle between the first two. Massage them with the bones of the fingers clockwise for 5 minutes. Soreness in these points can become very strong, almost unbearable. It is believed that spastic pains are "pulled" to these places and gradually subside. Massage is done until the spasms in the esophagus disappear. Usually relief comes in 10–20 minutes.

Diet for esophageal spasm

A sparing diet is prescribed.

Basic nutritional principles:

• frequent, fractional, in small portions;
• the use of mechanically sparing food, not coarse, not too harsh;
• switching to liquid and mushy foods (ideally - baby food);
• last meal 3 hours before bedtime;
• avoiding dark chocolate and alcohol, which relax the sphincter between the esophageal tube and the stomach, causing acid to rush into the esophagus and trigger spasm;
• a minimum of spicy, acidic foods (canned food, pickles, pickles, citrus fruits);
• refusal from black strong coffee;
• do not consume cold and too hot foods, including liquids (ice cream, cold drinks, very hot first courses).
Large chunks of heavy food Hot food
Cold dishes Coarse, spicy food Foods with lots of vinegar

The following can also help reduce the frequency of symptoms:

• sleeping with a raised head edge on a high pillow;
• to give up smoking;
• weight loss;
• a straight back when eating (the esophagus tube is not bent);
• the absence of bends and bends forward (prevents the reflux of gastric juice into the esophageal tube).

The main scheme of therapy, aimed at relieving the patient from spasms when swallowing food, is to timely and correctly make the correct diagnosis and develop a treatment program. At the same time, it may be necessary to conduct detailed examinations in order to exclude the possibility of serious diseases, such as angina pectoris and stomach cancer, the symptoms of which are similar to those of diffuse and neurological spasm.