What Is Achalasia and How Can It Be Managed?
What Is Achalasia and How Can It Be Managed?
Understanding Achalasia
Achalasia is a rare condition where the esophagus loses its ability to move food down to the stomach. This article explores its causes, symptoms, and management strategies.
Contents
- What Causes Achalasia?
- Recognizing the Symptoms
- Diagnosis of Achalasia
What Causes Achalasia?
Achalasia happens when nerves in the esophagus degenerate, leading to problems with swallowing. The lower esophageal sphincter (LES) fails to relax, causing food to back up in the esophagus. While the exact cause is unknown, it's thought to involve autoimmune factors or viral infections.
Recognizing the Symptoms
People with achalasia often experience difficulty swallowing, chest pain, and regurgitation of undigested food. Symptoms can appear gradually and worsen over time, making early diagnosis challenging but crucial for effective management.
Diagnosis of Achalasia
Doctors diagnose achalasia using tests like high-resolution manometry, which measures muscle contractions in the esophagus. Other diagnostic tools include barium swallow X-rays and endoscopy to check for any abnormalities in the esophagus.
FAQs
What is achalasia?
Achalasia is a condition affecting the esophagus, making swallowing difficult.
How is achalasia diagnosed?
Diagnosis involves high-resolution manometry and other imaging tests.
What are common symptoms of achalasia?
Common symptoms include difficulty swallowing and chest pain.
Summing Up
Understanding achalasia's symptoms and causes is key to managing this condition effectively.
Additional References
- Zaninotto G, et al. The 2018 ISDE achalasia guidelines. Dis Esophagus 2018; 31.
- Vaezi MF, et al. ACG Clinical Guidelines: Diagnosis and Management of Achalasia. Am J Gastroenterol 2020; 115:1393.
This article has been reviewed for accuracy by one of the licensed medical doctors working for Doctronic.