How is cricopharyngeal spasm diagnosed?

How is cricopharyngeal spasm diagnosed?

Your healthcare provider will perform an assessment and talk with you about your symptoms. They’ll check the back of your throat for something called an esophageal diverticulum. This is a pocket that forms in the esophageal lining. It can develop if cricopharyngeal spasm goes untreated for a long time. Food and saliva can collect in this pouch.

Your medical team may also run some tests to confirm your diagnosis. These may include:

• GI X-ray examinations: You’ll be asked to drink a barium liquid that coats your digestive tract. X-rays are then taken so that your esophagus can be examined.
• Esophageal manometry test: This test shows how the muscles in your esophagus operate when you swallow.
• Upper endoscopy procedure: A thin tube with a camera at the end is inserted down your throat. This allows your healthcare provider to examine your esophagus in greater detail.