Achalasia is a rare disorder that makes it difficult for food and liquid to pass into your stomach. Achalasia occurs when nerves in the tube connecting your mouth and stomach (esophagus) become damaged. As a result, the esophagus loses the ability to squeeze food down, and the muscular valve between the esophagus and stomach (lower esophageal sphincter) doesn’t fully relax — making it difficult for food to pass into your stomach.
Achalasia is a rare disorder that makes it difficult for food and liquid to pass from the swallowing tube connecting your mouth and stomach (esophagus) into your stomach.
Achalasia occurs when nerves in the esophagus become damaged. As a result, the esophagus becomes paralyzed and dilated over time and eventually loses the ability to squeeze food down into the stomach. Food then collects in the esophagus, sometimes fermenting and washing back up into the mouth, which can taste bitter. Some people mistake this for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). However, in achalasia the food is coming from the esophagus, whereas in GERD the material comes from the stomach.
There’s no cure for achalasia. Once the esophagus is paralyzed, the muscle cannot work properly again. But symptoms can usually be managed with endoscopy, minimally invasive therapy or surgery.[rx]
Types of Achalasia:
- Classic Achalasia: This is the most common type, characterized by a lack of peristalsis (normal muscle contractions) in the esophagus and a non-relaxing lower esophageal sphincter (LES).
- Achalasia with Spastic Contractions: In this type, you may experience simultaneous spastic contractions along with the non-relaxing LES.
Causes of Achalasia:
- Unknown Cause: The exact cause of achalasia is still a mystery, but it may involve a malfunction of the nerves that control the esophagus.
- Autoimmune Factors: Some believe that the immune system might mistakenly attack the nerves in the esophagus.
- Genetics: There could be a genetic predisposition, as achalasia sometimes runs in families.
- Viral Infections: Certain viral infections may trigger the condition, although this is rare.
- Neurological Disorders: Conditions like Parkinson’s disease may increase the risk of achalasia.
- Inflammation: Inflammation in the esophagus may contribute to the development of achalasia.
- Environmental Factors: Exposure to certain environmental factors might play a role, although this is not well understood.
- Hormonal Changes: Some hormonal changes could potentially impact the functioning of the esophagus.
- Aging: Achalasia is more common in older adults.
- Obesity: Being overweight may increase the risk of developing achalasia.
- Smoking: Smoking has been associated with an increased risk of achalasia.
- Dietary Factors: A diet lacking in fruits and vegetables may be a contributing factor.
- Stress: While not a direct cause, stress could exacerbate symptoms.
- Alcohol Consumption: Excessive alcohol intake may worsen the condition.
- Injury or Trauma: Physical damage to the esophagus could lead to achalasia in some cases.
- Reflux Disease: Severe and long-standing acid reflux may contribute to achalasia.
- Previous Surgery: Certain surgeries involving the esophagus may increase the risk.
- Medications: Some medications, such as anticholinergics, may be linked to achalasia.
- Infections: In rare cases, infections like Chagas disease can cause achalasia.
- Radiation Therapy: Previous radiation therapy in the chest area could lead to achalasia.
Symptoms of Achalasia
- Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia).
- Regurgitation of undigested food.
- Chest pain or discomfort.
- Heartburn.
- Weight loss.
- Coughing.
- Choking.
- Bad breath (halitosis).
- Fatigue.
- Nighttime cough.
- Difficulty belching.
- Gurgling or bubbling sounds in the chest.
- Aspiration pneumonia.
- Hoarseness.
- Unintentional food or liquid intake into the lungs.
- Chronic lung problems.
- Malnutrition.
- Social withdrawal due to difficulty eating in public.
- Anxiety and depression.
- Pain or discomfort in the upper abdomen.
How is Achalasia Diagnosed?
To diagnose achalasia, doctors may use various diagnostic tests to understand the condition better:
Diagnostic Tests for Achalasia (20 common tests):
- Barium swallow test.
- Esophageal manometry.
- Upper endoscopy.
- 24-hour pH monitoring.
- High-resolution manometry (HRM).
- CT scan.
- X-rays.
- Blood tests.
- Esophagram.
- Video fluoroscopy.
- Upper gastrointestinal (GI) series.
- Biopsy.
- Radionuclide scanning.
- Impedance testing.
- Endoscopic ultrasound.
- Electromyography (EMG).
- Barostat testing.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
- Pepsin testing.
- Bravo pH monitoring.
Treating Achalasia
Achalasia can be managed effectively through various treatment options. The choice of treatment depends on the severity of the condition and the patient’s overall health:
Treatment Options for Achalasia (30 possible treatments):
- Lifestyle modifications.
- Dietary changes.
- Medications to relax the LES.
- Botox injections to relax the LES.
- Balloon dilation (pneumatic dilation).
- Heller myotomy surgery.
- Peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM).
- Fundoplication surgery.
- Gastrostomy tube insertion.
- Weight management.
- Physical therapy.
- Speech therapy.
- Behavioral therapy.
- Nutritional counseling.
- Dysphagia therapy.
- Esophageal stents.
- High-frequency electrical stimulation.
- Relaxation techniques.
- Yoga and breathing exercises.
- Chewing thoroughly.
- Elevating the head of the bed.
- Smaller, more frequent meals.
- Avoiding carbonated drinks.
- Esophageal dilation with bougies.
- Weighted nasogastric tube.
- Laparoscopic myotomy.
- Robotic-assisted surgery.
- Endoscopic injection therapy.
- Acupuncture.
- Herbal remedies.
Medications for Achalasia (20 common drugs):
There are certain medications that may be prescribed to help manage the symptoms of achalasia:
Drugs for Achalasia (20 common drugs):
- Nifedipine.
- Isosorbide dinitrate.
- Hyoscyamine.
- Omeprazole.
- Ranitidine.
- Baclofen.
- Botox injections.
- Nitroglycerin.
- Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs).
- Calcium channel blockers.
- Antacids.
- Steroids.
- Muscle relaxants.
- Tricyclic antidepressants.
- Anti-anxiety medications.
- Pain relievers.
- Antiemetics.
- Herbal supplements.
- Prokinetic agents.
- Anti-inflammatory drugs.
Conclusion:
In summary, achalasia is a complex condition that affects the esophagus, causing difficulty in swallowing and other discomforting symptoms. While its exact cause remains uncertain, a range of treatments and medications can help manage the condition and improve the quality of life for individuals with achalasia. If you or someone you know experiences symptoms of achalasia, it is essential to seek medical attention promptly for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Disclaimer: Each person’s journey is unique, treatment plan, life style, food habit, hormonal condition, immune system, chronic disease condition, previous medical history is also unique. So always seek the best advice from a qualified medical professional or health care provider before trying any treatments to ensure to find out the best plan for you. This guide is for general information and educational purposes only. If you or someone are suffering from this disease condition bookmark this website or share with someone who might find it useful! Boost your knowledge and stay ahead in your health journey. Thank you for giving your valuable time to read the article.
