Are You Living With An Esophageal Motility Disorder?


Posted By Author on January 3, 2022

Esophageal motility disorder is a condition that affects the digestive tract, causing unpleasant symptoms and a disruption to everyday life. For patients suffering from this GI disorder, the esophageal muscles fail to contract and therefore, do not deliver food and liquid to the stomach properly.

Motility disorders can be remedied by a variety of treatments, such as medication, lifestyle/diet changes and surgery. Treatment is specific to the gastrointestinal disorder and symptom severity, so consult your GI specialist to determine which plan of action is best for you.

There are many types of primary esophageal motility disorders, including the following:

  • Inefficient esophageal motility disorder
  • Nutcracker esophagus
  • Diffuse esophageal spasm
  • Hypertensive lower esophageal sphincter
  • Achalasia
  • GERD (Gastroesophageal reflux disease)

person with gastrointestinal pains like ESOPHAGEAL MOTILITY DISORDER, ibs, diarrhea, Crohn's disease, acid reflux, hemorrhoids  etc.

Common Symptoms And Signs of Esophageal Motility Disorder

Common symptoms and signs of esophageal motility disorders include:

  • Heartburn and acid reflux
  • Anxiety
  • Regurgitation
  • Chest pain
  • Difficulty swallowing (Dysphagia)
  • Recurring pneumonia
  • Weight loss
  • Sensation of food getting stuck in your chest or neck
  • Poor sleep

Are you experiencing any of the symptoms listed above? Schedule an appointment with a Charleston gastroenterology specialist today. There is no referral needed – and no reason to suffer in silence! We are here to help.

Maintain a Healthy Diet for Comfort

A nutritious diet can help manage symptoms, often alleviating symptoms like heartburn. Your gastroenterologist can help customize a meal plan that avoids trigger foods and ensures your body is properly nourished.

Your motility diet may include foods like these:

  • Well-cooked fruits and vegetables
  • Soft foods, such as pasta
  • Liquid-based diets
  • Ground or pureed meat, poultry or seafood
  • Low-fat dairy

Here at Charleston GI, we recommend avoiding high-fiber foods unless your gastroenterologist instructs you otherwise.

Charleston GI Is Here to Help You Find Relief!

Our medical team is committed to providing a higher standard of caring – and much-needed relief from digestive diseases and disorders. We are equipped to treat a variety of gastrointestinal tract concerns, from esophageal dysmotility and acid reflux to diarrhea and constipation.

We are proud to serve our friends and neighbors here at home, with four convenient locations to choose from in West Ashley, Mount Pleasant, Carnes Crossroads, and Summerville! We even have three endoscopy centers in the greater Charleston, SC area, where we perform procedures such as colonoscopies, upper GI endoscopies and capsule endoscopies.

Note: An endoscopy is a procedure that uses a flexible tube (called an endoscope) with a camera to examine the gastrointestinal tract. While the procedure is simple, sedation is required. Be sure to designate someone to drive you home afterward!

Contact us today to schedule an appointment with an experienced Charleston gastroenterology specialist!

More Helpful Gastrointestinal Blogs


READY TO VISIT? SUMMERVILLE | CARNES CROSSROADS | MT PLEASANT | CHARLESTON