User:Mr. Ibrahem/Jackhammer esophagus

Jackhammer esophagus, previously known as nutcracker esophagus, is a condition in which there is excessively strong contractions of the esophagus. Symptoms may include difficulty swallowing, regurgitation, heart burn, and chest pain. Complications may rarely include achalasia.

The cause is unknown. Risk factors include obesity and GERD. While the esophageal contractions are excessive in strength, they remain coordinated. Diagnosis is by esophageal manometry finding a distal contractile integral of more than 8,000 mmHg*s*cm or pressures exceeding 220 mmHg. It is a type of esophageal motility disorder, along with achalasia and diffuse esophageal spasm.

Treatment options may include proton pump inhibitors, calcium channel blockers, nitrates, hyoscine butylbromide, antidepressants, esophageal dilation, and surgery; however, evidence to support these is poor. Often the condition resolves without specific measures.

Jackhammer esophagus is rare. It primarily affects those over the age of 60. Males and females are affected equally frequently. The condition was first described in the 1970s. The term "nutcracker esophagus" comes from the increased pressures being likened to that created by a mechanical nutcracker.