Achalasia - difficulty in swallowing

Achalasia is a disorder of the esophagus (the tube that carries food from the mouth to the stomach). The esophagus is less able to move food toward the stomach, and the muscle from the esophagus to the stomach does not relax as much as it needs to during swallowing. It is also known as esophageal achalasia, achalasia cardiae, cardiospasm,dyssynergia esopgagus and esophageal aperistalsis. Achalasia is characterized by difficulty in swallowing, regurgitation and some times chest pain.


Difficulty in swallowing (Dysphagia) liquids and solids, Regurgitation(backflow) of food, coughing, chest pain, hurtburn, weight loss etc are symptoms.


There is no known underlying cause of this disease.It may be caused by failure of the lower esophageal sphincter to relax and an absence of esophageal peistalsis leading to a functional obstruction at the gastro-esophageal junction. Esophageal cancer or chagas disease (an infectious disease common in South America) caused achalasia. Another part of the disorder is lack of nervous stimulation to the esophagus. Causes include damage to the nerves to the esophagus, parasitic infection, cancers, and hereditary factors.


Several options are available for the treatment of achalasia. Treatments include: Drug Therapy and botulinum toxin injection, Balloon dilation and surgery (myotomy), Esophagectomy. Injection of botulinum toxin into the lower esophageal sphincter is an effective, safe, and simple method of treatment for achalasia. Medications such as long-acting nitrates such as isosorbide dinitrate or calcium channel blockers such a nifedipine and nitroglycerin can also be used to lower the pressure at the lower esophagus sphincter. Pneumatic dilation is most effective on the long term in patients over the age of 40. Because of excellent results, a short hospital stay, and a fast recovery time, the primary treatment is considered by many to be a laparoscopic Heller myotomy and partial fundoplication surgery (called an esophagomyotomy) to decrease the pressure in the lower sphincter may be needed. A laparoscopic Heller myotomy is considered by many to be the appropriate primary treatment of patients with achalasia .The thoracic or thoracoscopic approach may be preferred for some patients. The thoracic approach is also appropriate in managing patients with proximal esophageal motility abnormalities.


Avoid foods like ketchup,citrus,chocolate,mint,alcohol and cafeein etc.Add dietary food in the food menu.Eat slowly,chew very well,drink plenty of water with meals and avoid eating near bed time.

Alternative Treatment:

Acupuncture,traditional chinese herbal medicine and relaxation techniques are different altrnative method. Raising the head of the bed or sleeping with a wedge pillow promotes emptying of the esophagus by gravity. Proton pump inhibitors can help to prevent reflex damage by inhibiting gastric acid secretion.



Dr.Rutledge said...

Good health!
Geoffrey W. Rutledge, MD, PhD

Sachin said...

Carboplatin Injection- getwell pharmaceuticals is a best manufacturer and supplier of Carboplatin Injection and provide quality and effective Carboplatin Injection for the initial treatment.

shaheel said...





Naturalherbs Solutions said...

Try Natural Treatment for Achalasia because the mixture of different natural ingredients makes a proper herbal remedy such as Achalasia Herbal Remedy produced by Natural Herbs Clinic. This herbal remedy work properly and can help to treat your achalasia successfully.

Popular Posts

