Achalasia

Esophageal achalasia, or simply achalasia, is a condition in which the muscles of the

esophagus

 fail to contract properly or open at all, not allowing the delivery of food to the stomach; the food is instead

regurgitated

.
A low fiber diet could reduce the bulk of food and allow it to pass more easily through the esophagus.
Symptoms

Swallowing difficulties

  • Occurs or worsens with emotional stress

  • Foods and drinks

  • For 2 weeks or more

  • Occurs or worsens by eating fast

common

Release of recently eaten foods different from vomiting

common

Chest discomfort

  • Lasts for more than 20 minutes even with rest

  • Occurs or worsens with emotions

  • Center of the chest

  • Pain radiates to shoulder, arm, neck, jaw

  • Radiates to the back

or Acid reflux

common

Weight loss

common

Bad breath

common

Food stuck in throat

Risk factors

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)

or History of multiple sclerosis

Esophageal cancer

Stomach cancer

Treatment
Achalasia treatment focuses on relaxing or stretching open the lower esophageal sphincter so that food and liquid can move more easily through your digestive tract. Specific treatment depends on age, health condition and the severity of the achalasia. Some of the options are: 1-Pneumatic dilation. 2-Botox (botulinum toxin type A) injection. 3-Medications such as muscle relaxants. 4-Surgical options.
Recommended specialist

If you have Achalasia, then a visit to a general internist is highly recommended.

Contact a

General internist

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