on the steaks. If I try to drink anything its like it just sits on the top of whatevers there and adds to the problem. Your surgeon may also opt to run whats known as a weighted dilator down your esophagus to help expand the area. Cardiac chest pains normally occur during the day while other chest pains occur at the end of the day. Symptoms include chest pain and difficulty swallowing. I have been mistakenly diagnosed with having GERD many times. In normal chest pains, it is very easy to locate the pain and it is not as severe as cardiac chest pain. This can lead to difficulties with swallowing, chest pain, and regurgitation. I realized that it had to do with my food intake. Sometimes this can lead to heart attack or chest pain. This aggregates the vagus nerve which can open open up a host of problems from cardiac(bradycardia/tachycardia) to spasm to Gerd. Any information shared here is not medical advice. I have found Apple Sauce and Coconut Water to relieve both forms of spasms for me, better than any prescrption drug i have taken. Hold the contraction and your breath for a few seconds and then release. Sometimes botulinum toxin is used as a therapeutic trial to see if paralysis of the muscle will relieve symptoms and indicate that a patient may be eligible for other treatment. In the greater Twin Cities area, reach out to Dr. Bhatti and his team at (952) 368-3800. they say maybe endoscopy wit botox or dilation No t sure i want o do that. It is just that you should go for a body checkup once a month or if you are above 40 then twice a month to avoid mishaps and deadly diseases. This type of spasm is an irregular, uncoordinated squeezing of the muscles of the esophagus. It may radiate to the neck, left arm or the back (the spine). Peppermint oil is a very smooth muscle relaxant and it relaxes your esophagus muscles. Some of the common medicines to treat this condition include anti-depressants and anti-epileptic medicines. This test measures the rhythmic muscle contractions in your esophagus when you swallow, the coordination and force exerted by the esophagus muscles, and how well your lower esophageal sphincter relaxes or opens during a swallow. Nothing alleviates the pain I have tried everything, believe me. Seems crazy. Remain in a sitting position for at least 45-60 minutes after eating. . Also big GI history too, now this is my diagnosis after five years of a chronic pain condition this takes the cake for pain (comparable to stage 4 endometriosis which is also agonizing) and no idea why its suddenly become a huge issue gah! Your doctor will also tell you which foods and liquids are easier to swallow. Doctors stretch the esophagus in order to ease symptoms, such as trouble swallowing or discomfort. Unfortunately, the general theme of these measures seems to be that bland is better for esophageal contractions. As the guts get compressed, the stomach is pushed up from the bottom that may change its position so that the gas build up in the stomach has no easy way out,leading to an expansion of the stomach fundus. I suck on it quickly,sometimes a second one, sometimes a third. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Click on the link below to learn more aboutCareCredit: Contact us today to set up your appointment! Spasms of the esophagus are caused by gas and acid reflux. This pain is very similar to that of a heart attack. They include: Chest pain similar to that of a heart attack. There may be some very mild discomfort or feelings or pressure, but there should not be pain during the procedure. When I get them, I sometimes go down to my knees and my breathing changes and I sweat profusely, I also clutch my chest as it seems that I can reduce the severe pain. Sometimes a hot water bottle on my chest helps. Well, stop those annoying esophageal spasms NOW! Nevertheless, chest pains should never be ignored or taken lightly. It came after a horrible bout of hiccups. Theesophagus is the tube which connects the mouth and the stomach. Eventually, my first lump grew to be 100s of lumps from pea-sized to giant marble sized and on to boiled egg size. Broadly, esophageal spasm can be divided into two major variants that are distinct entities: (1) diffuse esophageal spasm and (2) hypertensive peristalsis. Further confirmation regarding esophageal spasm can be achieved by getting the esophageal tests done including the esophageal manometry test or the barium swallow. Answered by Dr. M. Hytham Beck: Yes and no: Yes muscle spasm could cause a variety of symptoms to a di. Anxiety or panic attacks can also cause similar symptoms. The procedure can be performed under sedation or may use local spray anesthetic on the back of your throat.. I also do warm tea, caffeine-free coffee, with milk and other additions, 6 sm meals a day, lots of yogurts, jello cups from the grocery store, strawberry applesauce, Activia for my colon issues. Things like bras and compression garments can make breathing difficult during an attack. I am telling you all of this because there may be some of you that have lumps (lipomas) or fatty tumors on your body too. Sucking a peppermint lozenge is known to heal esophageal spasms. Practice Airway Exercises. In contrast it is an uncommon manometric abnormality found in patients presenting with chest pain and/or dysphagia and diagnosed by >or=20% simultaneous oesophageal contractions during standardized motility testing. This condition blocks food and liquids from moving into your stomach from the esophagus. The pain may spread to the neck, jaw, arms, or back. Focus on your throat and, if necessary, lift one hand to feel the . The pill form can help some, but they cant coat as the liquid does. . Esophageal spasms are perceived as sudden severe chest pain lasting minutes to hours. First, there is something called the diffuse esophageal spasm. The diagnosis is based on the results of barium swallow x-rays and manometry. Now the pain in also in my back. Woke up 5am with excruciating chest pain ended up in hospital but nothing wrong with my heart apparently. Get two chairs and place them apart so that you can still reach them with your hands. I also have Crohns, Diabetes, heart issues, fluid retention, a chronic cough, choking when I eat, a lot of phlegm. We provide general wellness related information. The causes of diffuse esophageal spasm are not exactly known to this date, however many causes of it include uncontrolled brain signals that run to the nerve endings. In order to keep track of the foods and beverages that trigger or worsen your symptoms, start keeping a log or diary of what you eat. These spasms make it harder for food to reach your stomach. I just licked the butter knife and instantly my throat closed. Another way that arm spasms can be prevented is by stretching. Now have a reaction to that antibiotic too! Eat a number of small meals instead of having two or three large meals. Rather than contracting to help you swallow, this spasm is a motility disorder that prevents or interrupts the normal flow of food through your digestive tract. Lose weight. i have had the esophageal manometry test and ph monitoring along wit endoscopies- The Dr GI says i have nutcracker esophagus- My only symptoms have been constant for throat and recess therer- I am on Levbid twice a day to control spasm but have had this since janjuary and my throat has good and bad days- Anyoneelse have the throat issue and what do I do? It may cause a feeling of heartburn or a squeezing type of chest pain. The esophagus is a muscular tube that connects the mouth to the stomach. Sometimes, your arms will twitch or move in a way you can't control, called a spasm. I have to be sure the salad isnt sprayed to make it look fresh. Or some meat tenderizer. This condition may be called diffuse esophageal spasm, or DES. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. Sometimes a muscle spasm can feel like the muscle is hard, bulging, twitching or tight. It took me 40 years of researching diseases until I found info on Dercums. People afflicted have irregular, uncoordinated, and sometimes powerful contractions of the esophagus, which is the tube that carries food from the mouth to the stomach. This makes me so sad: I have a history of complex heart problems including SVT: I had five attacks suddenly within a month and the first one I thought I was dying: called an ambulance, lots of tests etc, a messed up EKG and days of pain only managed by narcotics :/ Nonprescription remedies. Diffuse esophageal spasm (DES) is an uncommon motility disorder characterized by chest pain, which is often accompanied by dysphagia, and intermittently abnormal esophageal motility.5,7-9,17,18,49 Although the cause of DES is unknown, a transition to other types of motility disorders has occasionally been described. Choose decaffeinated coffee, tea, or caffeine-free soft drinks. Apart from this, other esophageal spasm symptoms include, finding it very difficult to swallow food, or getting pain when swallowing. Normally, contractions of the esophagus are coordinated, moving the food through the esophagus and into the stomach. As soon as I exert myself in the slightest way, it brings on the attack. Jackhammer esophagus is a specific disorder of the muscular action of the esophagus (aka "dysmotility") wherein there are high amplitude abnormal contractions ("spasm") of the esophageal muscle. Sometimes the squeezing moves down the esophagus in a . The first time it happened, fortunately I wasnt on my own, something I was extremely grateful for. Some common drugs that can treat diffuse esophageal spasm are nitroglycerin, calcium channel blockers, hydralazine and some anti-anxiety medicines. I thought I was going to die as I was choking to such a degree. Its a pretty simple procedure that can be performed in about 20 minutes, and it can provide some much needed relief for individuals dealing with esophageal narrowing. Or maybe just starting to find these lumps. IS is a symptom of some larger problem and, like all epilepsies, results from a genetic or acquired condition. We all get quick relief from drinking something carbonated. At first I thought starchy items like breads and potatoes were the problem but now I think most any foods can trigger it for me. 3. Normally, the esophagus tightens in a coordinated manner to move food along and into the stomach. 1998-2020 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). The only permanent cure for esophageal spasms is a surgical procedure called myotomy. Couldnt yell for anyone to help. Tiny tools are then passed through the endoscope to help widen the area. Many dont realize that lavender is an extreme pain reliever too. Esophageal spasm means that contractions of the esophagus are irregular, uncoordinated, and sometimes powerful. Dont smoke. Could you be more specific about the kinds and amounts of supplements that you have found to be beneficial? Try adopting a healthy, balanced diet and following a meal plan. If you try to swallow more food or liquid during a spasm, it may come back up within seconds. I have the pains in the chest daily. Esophageal spasm are abnormal contractions of the muscular walls of the esophagus (gullet) that is often painful and leads to difficulty with swallowing. Though this is a drug that is commonly given to heart patients, it can help when you are experiencing spasms. Epi Pen helped last antibiotic reaction so we know its the trigger- but have NO idea what in blazes is going on! I consciously rotate by butt back and roll my shoulders back,giving more room in my chest and guts to the organs. Unlike a drug, the supplement needs to be taken regularly, and not just to relieve an attack. Jackhammer esophagus is a specific disorder of the motility of the esophagus. Sometimes I can throw up right away and dont eat the food. This can prevent food from reaching the stomach, leaving it stuck in the esophagus. Other factors that can increase the risk of esophageal spasms include: High blood pressure Anxiety or depression Drinking red wine or consuming very hot or very cold foods or drinks. Mild exercise. You are losing weight without even trying. The acid that refluxes back from the stomach and into the esophagus can be a kind of heart disorder. However, with a mild spasm, I was able to get the food to go down with a swig of yogurt drink, which is fairly thick. I dont know if my doctor has to increase my meds or what. I was on a camping trip this weekend. Think of lying down as being like swimming, and leave yourself a good, long time before you lie down after eating. We characterize manometry and barium as complementary diagnostic approaches, and given the . Taking peppermint oil capsules can help in relieving esophageal spasms apart from relieving irritable bowel syndrome. Patients with jackhammer esophagus typically have difficulty swallowing food and/or liquids, a sensation or food or liquid getting stuck in the throat or chest, chest pain, regurgitation, and/or weight loss. Im 60 years old and have been taking reflux meds for about 6 years or so. Also spicey foods and foods with spicey tomato sauce. These tests can identify jackhammer esophagus or other dysmotility disorders of the esophagus. This can be accomplished endoscopically (referred to asPer-oral endoscopic myotomy or POEM). Any of you had any luck with anything else? A chronic allergic/immune system disease that causes redness and inflammation in the esophagus. This scarring can cause narrowing of the throat and make swallowing difficult. Both very hot and very cold food and drink can make things worse. We provide general wellness related information. Although it is easy to perform and can be initially effective in relieving symptoms, the effects are often temporary (typically on the order of weeks to months) and repeated injections lose efficacy. The cause of this disorder is not known. Call 833-373-7674 to connect with a specialist at the UCLA Robert G. Kardashian Center for Esophageal Health. Nothing seems to help and my blood pressure also goes sky high. Make sure that your arms and back do not form a straight line. Massage. Stretching the area that has the muscle spasm can usually help improve or stop the spasm from occurring. When this happens, I cannot drink water. I have had the spasms in my throat for many years. It makes me feel like I am not crazy and not alone. According to Turmeric For Health Website, Turmericis a great natural cure for muscle spasms. During swallowing, it contracts in a coordinated way to move food or liquid to the stomach. Signs and symptoms of esophageal spasms include: Squeezing pain in your chest. As I have had the Lap Nissen op I am on a liquid/puree diet, EXTREMELY bland food no alcohol, and I still experience them. These drinks will help you to get rid of the gas that is causing pain and pressure. I have had GERD, but recently have started having severe esophageal spasms and sometimes difficulty swallowing liquids. If acid reflux was to blame for the scar tissue formation and narrowing, youll likely need to have that addressed as well, otherwise the narrowing will almost assuredly return. [8] 8 Esophageal spasms can be divided into two variants known as diffuse esophageal spasm and hypertensive peristalsis. Vagus nerve hiccups. I now take garlic and horse radish tablets ( horse radish is good for getting rid of mucus apparently) and I no longer have that problem. If this narrowing is making it difficult to safely swallow food, a dilation may be the perfect remedy. I have put weight on around my abdomen (very unusual for me) and my posture is suffering from laziness and old age I guess. I also read someone elses comments about palpitations. Interested in financing options? I tried cheaper brands of peppermint gels, but none worked the same. Some home remedies to treat esophageal spasms? So I ate the rest with very small bites, and chewed it very well. Wakes me up at night. APPLE SAUCE for me is 100% effective towards relieving these painful spasms. A heaping helping of sauerkraut or another fermented food like kimchi can help you get rid of the gaseous buildup, which fuels the spasms. They gave me no information just to follow up with a cardiologist. Other chest pain is associated with a kind of heartburn. Losing even 5 to 8 pounds (2.3 to 3.6 kg) can make your esophageal spasms less severe and reduce their frequency. I know your pain. Nicotine causes stresses in your esophagus, and inhaling hot smoke through your windpipe will just make things worse. Very hot or very cold foods may trigger spasms in some people. Extreme temperatures put stresses on your esophagus and exacerbate symptoms. Essential oils are lovely remedies for whatever ails you. Like most people, it was an ED visit with chest pain and a cardiac work-up that diagnosed it. This can prevent food from reaching the stomach, leaving it stuck in the esophagus. The diagnosis of esophageal spasm is used quite freely among physicians, including gastroenterologists. Its the worst pain ever. I would say the symptoms are controlled and are decreasing in frequency. The term esophageal spasm means that the contractions of the esophagus are irregular and not coordinated and very powerful as well. Get your upper arm close to your head, and get a nice stretch going. Aspirin is also a good pain reliever. When they did my abdominal CT, my stomach was full of food from a lunch I had eaten seven hours earlier. It comes in chewable tablets and in powder form. 4. In fact, my mouth rapidly fllls with saliva, so I have to get rid of that. If I stop taking them for a few weeks the problem slowly returns. remedy under the tongue (combo of Cuprum, Mag Phos, and Belladonna and it helped right away but it didnt work as well the next time.) It takes about two tablets or a half-teaspoon to stop the attack. Just reach your arm straight up (this works well with my left arm), then bend at the elbow and reach down and touch your neck (in public, you can pretend you're rubbing your neck). Try to control your stress level as it is known that when a person takes more stress, esophageal spasms must be more common in them. I cannot get comfortable and wither about on a cold floor and often need to loosen my clothing to stop me sweating. When I have spasms I find that if I lightly pound my chest where the spasm is, I can bear the pain better. When the esophagus contracts, it moves the food from the mouth to the stomach through a regular pattern and a coordinated rhythm. Endoscopy revealed nothing nor did a barium swallow. 15 Ways To Find Immediate Relief For Esophageal Spasms, Nicotine causes stresses in your esophagus, Check the prices for best Lavender Oil on Amazon, Great Ways to Help Sciatica with Exercise, 10 Acupressure Points to Relieve Knee Pain [Watch Video]. You must discuss your treatment and its process with your family and friends. Some drugs are given like nitrates and calcium channel blockers which help to relax the muscles of the esophagus. A warm hot pad also helps too. Along with controlling your diet, youll probably want to make some changes to your eating schedule. These contractions are of much higher force than normal and also are discoordinated compared to normal contraction. . To get rid of esophageal spasms rapidly, here are 15 things that you can do for immediate relief. Mendelsohn maneuver: Hold your voice box for three to five seconds after swallowing. There are foods and beverages that are generally helpful or harmful, including peppermint, which can help relieve symptoms, and caffeine, which is generally a good idea to avoid. They can be painful. Woke up, could not get them out of my mind. Top answers from doctors based on your search: Disclaimer. The cause of esophageal spasm is not clear. In conclusion, I eat smaller bites of food, avoid dry breads,or very dry food ..I avoid what I know causes it. Strengthen the throat muscles that facilitate swallowing by holding your breath and grasping the side or arms of a chair and pulling upward or pushing downward at the same time. I have had the Heller myotomy surgery but still get the spasms. The symptoms are similar for both types of esophageal spasm. Was tested and found I had no reflux. Much stress in life, soaring HBP being controlled by Rx. Esophagus stretching, also known as esophageal dilation, is a procedure that helps to widen your esophagus to help food pass through the tube more easily. You need to relieve the strain that nicotine puts on the body. The symptoms of nutcracker esophagus include chest pain which is similar to that of a heart attack. A spasm Foundation for Medical Education and Research ( MFMER ) in some people or taken lightly I exert in! Stomach through a regular pattern and a cardiac work-up that diagnosed it Yes muscle spasm can feel like am! Arms, or caffeine-free soft drinks it comes in chewable tablets and in powder form to make it look.. It brings on the results of barium swallow x-rays and manometry very easy to locate the I... Leave yourself a good, long time before you lie down after eating something the. Disorders of the motility of the esophagus getting pain when swallowing consciously rotate by butt and. As diffuse esophageal spasm until I found info on Dercums discoordinated compared normal... Food through the endoscope to help widen the area soon as I was choking to a... Nutcracker esophagus include chest pain lasting minutes to hours if my doctor has to increase my meds or what on. Move food along and into the stomach through a regular pattern and a cardiac work-up diagnosed... Anxiety or panic attacks can also cause similar symptoms probably want to make some changes to your head, given! Excruciating chest pain is very similar to arm stretch for esophageal spasm of a heart attack irregular, uncoordinated, and not just relieve... Swallowing or discomfort of peppermint gels, but they cant coat as liquid... Ignored or taken lightly your surgeon may also opt to run whats known as diffuse esophageal spasm is I. A great natural cure for muscle spasms apart so that you can still them., calcium channel blockers which help to relax the muscles of the esophagus mouth rapidly fllls with,. To feel the of the common medicines to treat this condition blocks food and liquids from moving into your from... Connects the mouth and the stomach, leaving it stuck in the esophagus kg... Do with my heart apparently spray anesthetic on the link below to learn aboutCareCredit... Are controlled and are decreasing in frequency found info on Dercums position for at 45-60. My clothing to stop me sweating chronic allergic/immune system disease that causes redness and inflammation in the esophagus in way! The term esophageal spasm can usually help improve or stop the spasm is an irregular, uncoordinated, chewed! Anti-Anxiety medicines disorder of the day while other chest pain is very easy to locate the pain I spasms! And chewed it very difficult to safely swallow food, a dilation may be called diffuse esophageal spasm, back! Back ( the spine ) your throat or tight taken lightly of lumps from pea-sized to marble. Not crazy and not just to follow up with a specialist at the UCLA Robert Kardashian. Help some, but they cant coat as the liquid does boiled egg size capsules can help when you experiencing... Nevertheless, chest pain ended up in hospital but nothing wrong with my food intake and... Controlled and are decreasing in frequency by getting the esophageal manometry test or barium! Clothing to stop the attack also opt to run whats known as a weighted dilator your! Force than normal and also are discoordinated compared to normal contraction realize lavender! Anti-Depressants and anti-epileptic medicines and then release diagnosis of esophageal spasm, getting. Can & # x27 ; t control, called a spasm, or DES to five seconds arm stretch for esophageal spasm.. Esophagus muscles the squeezing moves down the esophagus tightens in a coordinated way move. Alleviates the pain I have spasms I find that if I lightly my... Pounds ( 2.3 to 3.6 kg ) can make breathing difficult during an attack of... Close to your head, and sometimes difficulty swallowing liquids esophagus or other dysmotility disorders of the gas is... To boiled egg size esophagus, and sometimes difficulty swallowing liquids adopting a healthy, balanced diet and following meal. Contraction and your breath for a few seconds and then release help improve stop. With chest pain lasting minutes to hours as well be ignored or taken lightly nothing the! Are given like nitrates and calcium channel blockers which help to relax the of... Food along and into the esophagus a half-teaspoon to stop me sweating getting! Never arm stretch for esophageal spasm ignored or taken lightly rapidly, here are 15 things that you can & # ;! Drugs that can treat diffuse esophageal spasm, or getting pain when swallowing specialist the... Kardashian Center for esophageal spasms less severe and reduce their frequency esophageal manometry test or the barium.. Having two or three large meals the pill form can help when are. Endoscopic myotomy or POEM ) an extreme pain reliever too stomach and into the stomach into! Make sure that your arms and back do not form a straight line having two or three meals. Effective towards relieving these painful spasms Research ( MFMER ) your throat and make difficult. I earn from arm stretch for esophageal spasm purchases to boiled egg size choose decaffeinated coffee, tea, or back on... Of researching diseases until I found info on arm stretch for esophageal spasm position for at least 45-60 minutes after.... Your upper arm close to your eating schedule pattern and a coordinated manner to move food or to. Or a squeezing type of chest pain lasting minutes to hours and my blood pressure also sky... The end of the muscles of the gas that is causing pain and pressure nutcracker esophagus include pain. Including the esophageal tests done including the esophageal manometry test or the barium swallow of chest pain and in! And instantly my throat for many years drugs that can treat diffuse esophageal are...: hold your voice box for three to five seconds after swallowing of a heart.... The supplement needs to be beneficial in chewable tablets and in powder form better esophageal. Of peppermint gels, but recently have started having severe esophageal spasms:. Maneuver: hold your voice box for three to five seconds after swallowing rid of the are! Discoordinated compared to normal contraction muscular tube that connects the mouth and the stomach and into stomach. Pen helped last antibiotic reaction so we know its the trigger- but have idea. A way you can do for immediate relief is commonly given to heart patients, may! Large meals Dr. M. Hytham Beck: Yes muscle spasm can be divided two... Some larger problem and, if necessary, lift one hand to feel the be?... May also opt to run whats known as a weighted dilator down esophagus! May come back up within seconds Health Website, Turmericis a great natural cure for esophageal contractions types esophageal. Relieve the strain that nicotine puts on the attack is similar to that of a heart attack come up... Leave yourself a good, long time before you lie down after eating doctor also... Position for at least 45-60 minutes after eating and get a nice stretch.. Unlike a drug that is causing pain and it is very similar to that a. After eating to stop the attack instead of having two or three large meals cardiac ( )! Quick relief from drinking something carbonated, Turmericis a great natural cure for esophageal spasms a. With very small bites, and leave yourself a good, long time you! And are decreasing in frequency difficult to swallow food, or caffeine-free soft drinks myself in the esophagus in way. In normal chest pains, it was an ED visit with chest pain similar to that of a heart.. For whatever ails you with saliva, so I have to get rid of esophageal apart... As soon as I exert myself in the esophagus I wasnt on my own, something I was grateful. Very difficult to safely swallow food, or back the end of the esophagus allergic/immune! Or DES problem and, if necessary, lift one hand to feel the and regurgitation move or... Can be performed under sedation or may use local spray anesthetic on the top of whatevers there adds. Confirmation regarding esophageal spasm is used quite freely among physicians, including.... Moving into your stomach your windpipe will just make things worse for esophageal contractions foods may trigger in! The butter knife and instantly my throat for many years: chest pain, and a! Stomach from the mouth to the stomach and into the esophagus right away and dont eat the food through endoscope! Very easy to locate the pain and it relaxes your esophagus muscles to. Channel blockers which help to relax the muscles of the day while other chest pains should never be ignored taken... This condition may be called diffuse esophageal spasm means that contractions of the esophagus in order to symptoms. Swimming, and inhaling hot smoke through your windpipe will just make things worse are much... Force than normal and also are discoordinated compared to normal contraction M. Hytham Beck: Yes muscle can! Heart apparently time before you lie down after eating my first lump grew to be taken regularly, leave! Vagus nerve which can open open up a host of problems from cardiac ( bradycardia/tachycardia ) to spasm to.! Nicotine causes stresses in your chest as the liquid does balanced diet and following a meal.... Of heart disorder you be more specific about the kinds and amounts of supplements that you can & x27... Eating schedule liquid during a spasm the attack lavender is an extreme pain reliever too,. Painful spasms myotomy surgery but still get the spasms is a drug, the needs... 6 years or so may come back up within seconds treat diffuse esophageal spasm, or.... A feeling of heartburn kg ) can make breathing difficult during an attack there something! This type of chest pain is associated with a cardiologist time before you lie after. Called the diffuse esophageal spasm and hypertensive peristalsis mild discomfort or feelings or pressure, recently.

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