A Distal Esophageal Spasm (DES) is a disorder where the lower part of the esophagus (the distal esophagus) experiences uncoordinated, irregular, or rapid muscle contractions, especially during swallowing. These spasms disrupt the normal movement of food down the esophagus, which can cause discomfort and difficulty swallowing.
Symptoms
People with DES often report:
- Chest pain (can mimic a heart attack)
- Dysphagia (difficulty swallowing)
- Feeling like food is getting stuck mid-swallow
- Regurgitation of food or liquids
