All You Need to Know About Achalasia

Achalasia is a rare health disorder in which the esophagus's nerves are damaged and cannot function properly. This results in failure to relax the lower esophageal sphincter, eventually causing dilation of the esophagus. Let's understand achalasia, including its causes, symptoms, and treatment!

What is Achalasia?

Achalasia is a rare disorder that affects the esophagus, which is where food passes through the throat to the stomach.

Is Achalasia serious?

Yes, achalasia can be severe, especially if left untreated. People with achalasia will gradually have more difficulty eating solid foods and drinking liquids, and it results in major weight loss and malnutrition.

Achalasia patients also have a slightly elevated risk of developing esophageal cancer, especially if the condition has been present for a long time. The doctor may advise patients to have regular esophageal tests to detect cancer early if it does develop.

What are the Symptoms of Achalasia?

Achalasia symptoms appear slowly and might last for months or years. Among them are the following:

What are the causes of Achalasia?

ests for Diagnosis of Achalasia

How is Achalasia Treated?

Achalasia treatment cannot completely cure the condition, although it can help to:

Possible Treatment Options are:

Surgery

Surgery is the most effective treatment option for achalasia because it provides long-term relief from symptoms in most patients. The Heller cardio myotomy is the most commonly performed surgical procedure.

Heller cardio myotomy

In this, the surgeon severes the muscle, allowing food to move easily into the stomach. When performed noninvasively, the operation is known as laparoscopic Heller cardiomyotomy. Some people with Heller myotomy can develop GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) later in life.

Peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM)

During POEM surgery, a surgeon inserts an endoscope into the mouth and down to the throat, creating an incision in the internal lining of the esophagus.

Other Treatments

Non-surgical alternatives include:

Botox injections

During an endoscopy, the doctor injects Botox (botulinum toxin) into the constricted esophageal muscles. It temporarily relaxes the muscles, allowing people to swallow normally, but patients may require multiple settings of treatment, and problems tend to recur.

Pneumatic dilation

A balloon is inserted into the center of the esophageal sphincter and dilated to allow food to flow. It is performed as an outpatient operation. However, it is important to remember That if the esophageal sphincter does not remain open, the patient must undergo pneumatic dilation treatment again. About 30% of persons treated with balloon dilation within five years require repeat treatment.

Medication

Before eating, the doctor may advise you to take muscle relaxants like nitroglycerin or nifedipine. Because these medications have negative effects, they are normally reserved for patients who are unsuitable for pneumatic dilation or surgery, and Botox has not been helpful.

Conclusion:

90% of people find a long-term improvement in symptoms after achalasia treatment. People should get a diagnosis as soon as possible so that they can begin treatment to alleviate their symptoms before the condition worsens. Achalasia patients may require many treatments before their symptoms improve. It's important to remember that if one treatment doesn't work, there may be others to consider.

Frequently Asked Questions