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Achalasia

Esophageal achalasia; Swallowing problems - achalasia; Lower esophageal sphincter; LES; Myotomy

 

The tube that carries food from the mouth to the stomach is the esophagus. Achalasia makes it harder for the esophagus to move food into the stomach.

Causes

 

There is a muscular ring at the point where the esophagus and stomach meet. It is called the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). Normally, this muscle relaxes when you swallow to allow food to pass into the stomach. In people with achalasia, it does not relax as well. In addition, the normal muscle activity of the esophagus (peristalsis) is reduced.

This problem is caused by damage to the nerves of the esophagus.

Other problems can cause similar symptoms, such as cancer of the esophagus or upper stomach, and a parasite infection that causes Chagas disease .

Achalasia is rare. It may occur at any age, but is most common in middle-aged or older adults. In some people, the problem may be inherited.

 

Symptoms

 

Symptoms include:

  • Backflow (regurgitation) of food
  • Chest pain , which may increase after eating, or may be felt as pain in the back, neck, and arms
  • Cough
  • Difficulty swallowing liquids and solids
  • Heartburn
  • Unintentional weight loss

 

Exams and Tests

 

Physical exam may show signs of anemia or malnutrition .

Tests include:

  • Manometry , a test to measure how well the esophagus is working.
  • EGD or upper endoscopy, a test to examine the lining of the stomach and esophagus. It uses a flexible tube and camera.
  • Upper GI x-ray .

 

Treatment

 

The goal of treatment is to reduce the pressure at the sphincter muscle and allow food and liquids to pass easily into the stomach. Therapy may involve:

  • Injection with botulinum toxin (Botox). This may help relax the sphincter muscles. However, the benefit wears off within a few weeks or months.
  • Medicines, such as long-acting nitrates or calcium channel blockers. These drugs can be used to relax the lower esophagus sphincter.
  • Surgery (called a myotomy). In this procedure, the lower sphincter muscle is cut.
  • Widening (dilation) of the esophagus at the location of the narrowing. This is done during EGD.

Your health care provider can help you decide which treatment is best for you.

 

Outlook (Prognosis)

 

The outcomes of surgery and non-surgical treatments are similar. More than one treatment is sometimes necessary.

 

Possible Complications

 

Complications may include:

  • Backflow (regurgitation) of acid or food from the stomach into the esophagus (reflux)
  • Breathing food contents into the lungs (aspiration), which can cause pneumonia
  • Tearing (perforation) of the esophagus

 

When to Contact a Medical Professional

 

Call your provider if:

  • You have trouble swallowing or painful swallowing
  • Your symptoms continue, even with treatment for achalasia

 

Prevention

 

Many of the causes of achalasia cannot be prevented. However, treatment may help to prevent complications.

 

 

References

Falk GW, Katzka DA. Diseases of the esophagus In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman's Cecil Medicine . 25th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2016:chap 138.

Pandolfino JE, Kahrilas PJ. Esophageal neuromuscular function and motility disorders. In: Feldman M, Friedman LS, Brandt LJ, eds. Sleisenger and Fordtran's Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease . 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2016:chap 43.

 
  • Digestive system - illustration

    The esophagus, stomach, large and small intestine, aided by the liver, gallbladder and pancreas convert the nutritive components of food into energy and break down the non-nutritive components into waste to be excreted.

    Digestive system

    illustration

  • Upper gastrointestinal system - illustration

    The upper gastrointestinal organs include the mouth, esophagus and stomach.

    Upper gastrointestinal system

    illustration

  • Normal anatomy

    Presentation

  •  
    • Digestive system - illustration

      The esophagus, stomach, large and small intestine, aided by the liver, gallbladder and pancreas convert the nutritive components of food into energy and break down the non-nutritive components into waste to be excreted.

      Digestive system

      illustration

    • Upper gastrointestinal system - illustration

      The upper gastrointestinal organs include the mouth, esophagus and stomach.

      Upper gastrointestinal system

      illustration

    • Normal anatomy

      Presentation

    •  

    Tests for Achalasia

     

       

      Review Date: 10/27/2015

      Reviewed By: Subodh K. Lal, MD, gastroenterologist at Gastrointestinal Specialists of Georgia, Austell, GA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Isla Ogilvie, PhD, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

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