K22: Other diseases of oesophagus
K22.4: Dyskinesia of oesophagus
The oesophagus or gullet connects the mouth with the stomach. It is a muscular tube. The muscles in the oesophagus move food into the stomach.
The muscles of your gullet are suddenly contracting very hard in several places in a disorderly fashion. This relaxes or even dilates the sections of your gullet between those places. The muscles of the entire gullet may also cramp up. In this case, the cramped muscles may also take on a spiral shape. That then looks like a spiral staircase or corkscrew.
The contracted muscles may cause pain in your ribcage. You may temporarily not be able to swallow food and drinks properly. After a certain time, the muscles usually loosen up again. The chest pain will then often also recede.
Patient Disclaimer
The information provided on this page is for general educational purposes only. It is not intended for self-diagnosis and does not replace professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor or a qualified healthcare provider with any questions or concerns about your health.
If you see an ICD diagnosis code (e.g., on a medical report), be aware that doctors may also include additional indicators to express diagnostic certainty. Only a healthcare professional can interpret these codes accurately in the context of your individual case.
For a complete understanding of your condition and what the diagnosis means for you, please speak directly with your doctor.