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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Spasms And Pain In The Sternum After Having Food?

Periodically, I have spasms after I start eating. This entails continous hiccups to the point that I cannot swallow because it will cause pain in my sternum area . I try to slow my breathing in order to make the hiccups subside. during this period, I have to spit my saliva into the sink or a paper towel. even when the hiccups subside, there is a cross between pressure & indigestion in the area below my Adams apple. I ve had this now & then for several years. I had a upper GI done several years ago & they didn t find anything. i almost think they need to do it when I m having an episode but there is no way that I can swallow the mixture. Any ideas what this could be?
Fri, 22 Dec 2017
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hi there,
thank you for posting your query on healthcare magic.
your symptoms are suggestive of a number of possibilities:
1. It could be a case of gastro esophageal reflux disease which is very common.You are very likely to be suffering from this.
2.It could also be Achalasia cardia in which there us dilatation of the lower end of esophagus leading to regurgitation of undigested food.
3. Thirdly,and rarely it could indicate Esophageal spasm which also show the symptoms you are having.
In order to identify the cause you need to get some tests done, namely, Esophageal manometry and Esophageal pH monitoring. This will identify if you have Gadtroesophageal reflux disease or Achalasia. If neither of these conditions show up, you may need a repeat upper GI endoscopy. This will ultimately reveal the underlying condition.
Hope this helps with your situation.
Thank you for visiting healthcare magic.
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What Causes Spasms And Pain In The Sternum After Having Food?

Hi there, thank you for posting your query on healthcare magic. your symptoms are suggestive of a number of possibilities: 1. It could be a case of gastro esophageal reflux disease which is very common.You are very likely to be suffering from this. 2.It could also be Achalasia cardia in which there us dilatation of the lower end of esophagus leading to regurgitation of undigested food. 3. Thirdly,and rarely it could indicate Esophageal spasm which also show the symptoms you are having. In order to identify the cause you need to get some tests done, namely, Esophageal manometry and Esophageal pH monitoring. This will identify if you have Gadtroesophageal reflux disease or Achalasia. If neither of these conditions show up, you may need a repeat upper GI endoscopy. This will ultimately reveal the underlying condition. Hope this helps with your situation. Thank you for visiting healthcare magic.