Achalasia is a type of primary esophageal motility disorder. This rare disease affects the esophagus, impairing its ability to move food from the mouth to the stomach. What exactly is achalasia, and how is it treated? Read on to learn more.

What is Achalasia?

Achalasia is a rare condition that prevents the esophagus from moving solid food or liquids from the throat to the stomach.

The esophagus is a muscular tube in the digestive system that connects the mouth to the stomach. Its main role is to transport food and liquids from the mouth into the stomach, as well as to assist with swallowing and the movement of food down the esophagus.

At the lower end of the esophagus, where it meets the stomach, there is a muscular ring called the lower esophageal sphincter. This muscle relaxes to allow food to pass into the stomach and contracts to prevent stomach contents from rising back up.

In people with achalasia, the esophagus' muscles struggle to move food and liquids into the stomach. As a result, food can build up in the esophagus, sometimes fermenting in the throat before rising back up into the mouth. This regurgitated food may have a bitter taste.

Achalasia is relatively uncommon and is often confused with GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease). However, the key difference is that in achalasia, food rises from the esophagus, while in GERD, it comes from the stomach.

Causes and Risk Factors of Achalasia

The exact cause of achalasia remains unclear. Researchers believe it may result from damage or loss of nerve cells in the esophagus. Some theories suggest that it could be linked to autoimmune disorders, viral infections, or inherited genetic factors.

Several conditions may increase the risk of developing achalasia, including:

• Age: Although it can affect anyone, achalasia is most commonly seen in people aged 25 to 60.
• Underlying health conditions: Individuals with allergies or genetic disorders may have a higher likelihood of developing achalasia.

Symptoms of Achalasia

Achalasia symptoms tend to develop gradually, often over the course of months or even years. Common symptoms include:

• Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)
• Regurgitation of undigested food back into the mouth
• Intermittent chest pain
• Heartburn
• Nighttime coughing
• Weight loss or malnutrition due to difficulty eating
• Persistent hiccups

Treatment for Achalasia

Currently, there is no cure for achalasia. Treatments primarily aim to relax or stretch the lower esophageal sphincter to help food and fluids pass more easily into the stomach. Treatment options depend on factors such as the patient's age, general health, and the severity of the condition.

Possible treatments include:

• Pneumatic dilation: A balloon is inserted into the lower esophageal sphincter and inflated to widen the opening. This procedure may need to be repeated if the sphincter muscle does not stay open.
• Botox injections: During an endoscopy, Botox is injected into the esophageal sphincter to relax the muscles. This treatment is usually recommended for those who cannot undergo pneumatic dilation or surgery due to age or other health issues.
• Medications: Certain medications can be prescribed to relax the esophageal muscles, making swallowing easier. These are typically recommended for patients who are not candidates for pneumatic dilation or Botox.
• Surgery: In some cases, surgery may be necessary to facilitate food entering the stomach. One option is Heller myotomy, where the muscle at the lower esophageal sphincter is cut to allow easier passage of food.

Achalasia is a rare disorder that disrupts the swallowing process. If you experience digestive issues or have concerns about your health, it’s important to consult a healthcare provider or use the consultation feature on the Ai Care app, available for download from the App Store or Play Store.

Looking for more information about other diseases? Click here!