Achalasia is a rare disorder that makes it difficult for food and liquid to pass into your stomach. Achalasia occurs when the food tube (esophagus) loses the ability to squeeze food down, and the muscular valve between the esophagus and stomach doesn't fully relax.

The reason for these problems is damage to the nerves in the esophagus, which may be caused by an abnormal immune system response. There's no cure, but achalasia symptoms can usually be managed with minimally invasive therapy or surgery.

March 31, 2015

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