Esophageal Spasms

I have intermittant esophageal spasms which cause my esophagus to clench closed, making it impossible to swaalow solids or liquids.  Food type doesn't matter, nor does hot or cold food...can occur almost anytime with any meal.  I've been taking 1 Adavan before meals to relax the impacted muscles, but it's really not effective.  The symptoms can last 10 mins. to an hour.  Then the clenching will relax, and everything is back to normal.  It doesn't occur with evey meal, nor under any specific conditions.  I can be totally realxed and it will happen, or I can be streesed out and it won't.

When I disgorge the food trapped above the esophagus (by throwing up), there's usually a large amount of slimy saliva-like liquid accompanying it.

Can you give me some indication of what's happening, and what steps I can take to resolve it?  Thanks very much...

[jmetwin]

I've had spasms for many years.  In the beginning I needed nitro to relax the spasm and relieve the chest pain.  I also would chuck up lots of siliva.  I have studied this on the internet and believe my spasms come from taking progesterone along with estrogen.  Are you taking hormone replacement therapy or birth control lpools?  These could be the cuprits.