Achalasia(Esophageal Achalasia)
by
Cynthia M. Johnson, MA DefinitionAchalasia is a problem moving food through the muscular tube (esophagus) that connects the mouth to the stomach. It is rare. CausesIt is caused by a breakdown in the nerve cells in the esophagus. The reason why this happens is not known. Risk FactorsThere are no known risk factors for this problem. SymptomsThe 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:
DiagnosisThe 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. TreatmentThere is no cure. The goal of treatment is to allow food and liquids to pass to the stomach. Choices are:
PreventionThere are no current guidelines to prevent this health problem. RESOURCES:American Gastroenterological Association http://www.gastro.org Family Doctor—American Academy of Family Physicians https://www.familydoctor.org CANADIAN RESOURCES:Canadian Association of Gastroenterology https://www.cag-acg.org Health Canada https://www.canada.ca References:
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 Last Updated: 4/28/2021 | |
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