Are Esophageal Spasms Serious?

6. Other Testing

Other testing performed to diagnose esophageal spasms are x-rays of the upper digestive system and upper endoscopy. Before an x-ray, the patient drinks a chalky liquid that coats the lining of the esophagus, stomach, and upper intestine to give the doctor a better view of the area. In an upper endoscopy, a thin, flexible tube with a light and a camera on the end is inserted into the mouth, down the esophagus, and into the stomach. This procedure allows for visual examination of the tissue, and the doctor can collect tissue for a biopsy if needed.