Achalasia is a problem moving food through the muscular tube (esophagus) that connects the mouth to the stomach. It is rare.
It is caused by a breakdown in the nerve cells in the esophagus. The reason why this happens is not known.
The most common symptoms is difficulty swallowing solids and liquids. It may cause swallowed foods to be brought back up into the mouth.
Other problems may be:
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The doctor will ask about your symptoms and health history. A physical exam will be done.
These tests may be done to view the esophagus:
Manometry may be done to confirm the diagnosis. It uses a tube to test the pressure in the esophagus and the stomach when swallowing.
There is no cure. The goal of treatment is to allow food and liquids to pass to the stomach. Choices are:
American Gastroenterological Association
http://www.gastro.org
Family Doctor—American Academy of Family Physicians
https://www.familydoctor.org
Canadian Association of Gastroenterology
https://www.cag-acg.org
Health Canada
https://www.canada.ca
Achalasia. EBSCO Plus DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/achalasia. Accessed October 29, 2020.
Achalasia and esophageal motility disorders. The Society of Thoracic Surgeons website. Available at: https://ctsurgerypatients.org/lung-esophageal-and-other-chest-diseases/achalasia-and-esophageal-motility-disorders. Accessed October 29, 2020.
Pandolfino JE, Gawron AJ. Achalasia: a systematic review. JAMA. 2015 May 12;313(18):1841-1852.
Last reviewed September 2020 by EBSCO Medical Review Board James P. Cornell, MD