Can Esophageal Spasms Cause Shortness Of Breath?

Posted on Sun, 5 Jan 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Mon, 6 Jan 2014 Answered on

Sat, 1 Feb 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : Can esophageal spasms cause shortness of breath?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Rakhi Tayal (7 hours later)

Brief Answer: No. Detailed Answer: Hello, Thanks for trusting us with your health concern. Considering the history of cardiac problems in your husband the shortness of breath is likely to be associated with congestive heart failure. It is not related to the esophageal spasms. This can however be related to panic attacks or hyperventilation. If this has happened for the first time and he is now breathing normally then there is no need to investigate further for esophageal spasms. In case the episodes are recurrent then do consult a gastroenterologist for proper investigations. Please feel free to discuss further. I will be glad to answer the follow up queries that you have. Wishing you good health. Regards. Dr. Rakhi Tayal. For future query, you can directly approach me through my profile URL http://bit.ly/Dr-Rakhi-Tayal

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar