DEFINITION
What Is Achalasia?
Achalasia is a disorder of the esophagus, which is the connection between the mouth and stomach. Achalasia makes it difficult for food to move from the mouth to the stomach. When you have achalasia, the muscle between your esophagus and stomach (lower esophageal sphincter) doesn't relax after swallowing.
How Common Is Achalasia?
Achalasia is a rare disease that can affect both men and women. Achalasia can strike at any age, but generally affects older people. Achalasia can be controlled by reducing risk factors. Please discuss with your doctor for more information.
SIGNS & SYMPTOMS
What Are The Signs And Symptoms Of Achalasia?
The main symptom of achalasia is difficulty swallowing or chest pain when swallowing. You may also experience weight loss due to difficulty eating caused by pain. Other symptoms of this disease include chest pain, cough, sound when breathing, burning sensation in the stomach, belching, and vomiting. In some cases, you can regurgitate your food.
There are several other symptoms or signs that may not be listed above. If you are anxious about a symptom, please consult your doctor.
When Should I See A Doctor?
If you have any of the signs or symptoms mentioned above or if you have any questions, please consult your doctor. Everyone's body reacts differently. It is always good to discuss with your doctor what is best for your condition.
REASONS
What Causes Achalasia?
Although the exact cause is unknown, achalasia is the result of nerve damage to the esophagus. There is a loop of muscle at a point where the esophagus and stomach meet, called the lower esophageal sphincter. Normally, this muscle relaxes when you swallow. People who suffer from achalasia do not relax this muscle. In addition, the normal activity of the muscles in the esophagus (peristalsis) is reduced.
RISK FACTORS
What Increases My Risk For Achalasia?
Since the cause of nerve damage is unknown, risk factors are not very well identified. Some of the factors include:
- Have an esophagus tumor
- Chagas disease
Please consult your doctor for more information.
TREATMENT
The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor.
What Are My Treatment Options For Achalasia?
Achalasia cannot be cured, but treatment can help condition the body and prevent complications.
If you have achalasia, you should reduce the pressure on the lower esophageal sphincter. This is done by enlarging the sphincter with a special instrument or balloon. Even after enlargement, the esophagus will not move normally. Enlargement may be repeated if symptoms recur. This is done by your doctor.
Medications such as long-acting nitrates or calcium channel blockers can lower the pressure on the sphincter. These medications are usually given by your doctor and taken when enlargement cannot be done.
Doctors may recommend injecting Botox (Botulinum toxin) into the sphincter to dilate the esophagus.
If the patient is not treated promptly, complications can occur. These include the appearance of small holes in the esophagus, regurgitation of food acids from the stomach into the esophagus, and aspiration pneumonia. Some people can also later develop esophageal cancer.
What Are The Most Common Tests For Achalasia?
For diagnosis, the doctor may order an X-ray by ingesting barium (before the x-ray, you will drink a liquid called white barium or reflective barium for an X-optic view). An X-ray will show the narrow part of your esophagus and the width of your esophagus. This process is also known as an upper gastrointestinal X-ray.
Doctors also use measurement methods to determine pressure in the esophagus with or without swallowing and increase the pressure on the lower esophageal sphincter for you.
A colonoscopy (using a small tube with a light at the end along with a camera at the top of the tube) can check whether the sphincter is narrowed or not.
To check for signs of a tumor, the doctor may order a biopsy, a tissue sample taken for examination under a microscope.
HOME REMEDIES
What Are Some Lifestyle Changes Or Home Remedies That Can Be Used To Treat Achalasia?
The lifestyle changes and home remedies below can help you deal with achalasia:
- Eat and chew slowly
- Schedule a re-examination to monitor the progress of your symptoms and your health
- Listen to the doctor's directions, not just the drugs that are given to you
- Call your doctor if you have dysphagia for a long time, pain when swallowing or residual symptoms after treatment
- Call your doctor if you are vomiting blood or experiencing new symptoms
If you have any questions, consult a doctor for the best solution for your problem.