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Esophageal spasm question

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star68
star68

I have suffer from a hiatus hernia since 1999 and I manage heartburn with a low fat diet.   But now and again specially in the winter, near Christmas I will suffer episode of Esophageal spasms.  My doctor gave me a muscle relaxant for when I have one, but my question is:

Does your pulse and blood pressure goes a bit high during a spasm?

 

0 likes, 4 replies

4 Replies

  • Pasha333
    Pasha333 star68

    Posted

    Blood pressure and heart rate always increases when you experience pain. It is a normal reaction. However, if you are experiencing other symptoms like palpitations or racing heart rate then you must speak to your doctor
  • AlanJM
    AlanJM star68

    Posted

    On the basis that the muscles are all contracting together and going into spasm (rather than having a proper sequence that pusges the food through into your stomach) it would be suprising if this did not raise your pulse rate, and the blood pressure would rise with it.

    It would be interesting to work out what causes the problem near Christmas, because your digestive system does not recognise festivals as such.   It would react to extra stress, tension and anxiety though.

     

  • star68
    star68

    Posted

    Well I forgot to tell you that I get esophageal spasms ramdomly in the middle of the night (which makes me panic), not only when I eat, is this normal?

    And about having episodes in the winter and near Christmas don't know I believe is stress-anxiety related so you are right OPA-AlanM and the reality is that we all get stressed up around Christmas time and not only because of Christmas shopping and all the hype that comes with it, as well we miss the loved ones that they are no longer with us  and it fills one up with sadness.

    • AlanJM
      AlanJM star68

      Posted

      I wonder if night time reflux might set it off?   The reflux is worse at night because of gravity leading to acid coming up when you are lying down, so sleeping at a raised angle (or even having a special bed) MIGHT make a difference to reflux (but try pillows under the mattress or raising the legs of the headboard as a cheap alternative first.

      Some doctors prescribe buscopan as a relaxant.

       

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