Achalasia is a disorder of the tube that carries food from the mouth to the stomach (esophagus), which affects the ability of the esophagus to move food toward the stomach
Alternative NamesEsophageal achalasia
Causes, incidence, and risk factorsA muscular ring at the point where the esophagus and stomach come together (lower esophageal sphincter) normally relaxes during swallowing. In people with achalasia, this muscle ring does not relax as well. The reason for this problem is damage to the nerves of the esophagus.
Cancer of the esophagus or upper stomach, and a parasite infection that causes Chagas disease both may have symptoms like those of achalasia.
Achalasia is a rare disorder. It may occur at any age, but is most common in middle-aged or older adults. This problem may be inherited in some people.
SymptomsPhysical examination may show signs of anemia or malnutrition.
Tests include:
TreatmentThe approach to treatment is to reduce the pressure at the lower esophageal sphincter. Therapy may involve:
Your doctor can help you decide which treatment is best for your situation.
Expectations (prognosis)The outcomes of surgery and nonsurgical treatments are similar. Sometimes more than one treatment is necessary.
ComplicationsCall your health care provider if:
Many of the causes of achalasia are not preventable. However, treatment of the disorder may help to prevent complications.
ReferencesOrlando RC. Diseases of the esophagus. In: Goldman L, Ausiello DA, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 140.
Achalasia is a disorder of the tube that carries food from the mouth to the stomach (esophagus), which affects the ability of the esophagus to move food toward the stomach.
Alternative NamesEsophageal achalasia
Causes, incidence, and risk factorsA muscular ring at the point where the esophagus and stomach come together (lower esophageal sphincter) normally relaxes during swallowing. In people with achalasia, this muscle ring does not relax as well. The reason for this problem is damage to the nerves of the esophagus.
Cancer of the esophagus or upper stomach and a parasite infection that causes Chagas disease may have symptoms like those of achalasia.
Achalasia is a rare disorder. It may occur at any age, but is most common in middle-aged or older adults. This problem may be inherited in some people.
SymptomsPhysical examination may show signs of anemia or malnutrition.
Tests include:
TreatmentThe approach to treatment is to reduce the pressure at the lower esophageal sphincter. Therapy may involve:
Your doctor can help you decide which treatment is best for your situation.
Expectations (prognosis)The outcomes of surgery and nonsurgical treatments are similar. Sometimes more than one treatment is necessary.
ComplicationsCall your health care provider if:
Many of the causes of achalasia are not preventable. However, treatment of the disorder may help to prevent complications.
ReferencesOrlando RC. Diseases of the esophagus. In: Goldman L, Ausiello DA, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 140.
Reviewed ByReview Date: 01/20/2010
David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine; and George F. Longstreth, MD, Department of Gastroenterology, Kaiser Permanente Medical Care Program, San Diego, California. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
Achalasia is a disorder of the esophagus.
Most patients with achalasia can be treated effectively. Achalasia does not reduce life expectancy unless esophageal carcinoma develops
People shouldn't smoke regardless of whether or not they have achalasia.
Achalasia is a very rare muscular disease that affects the esophagus, the passage you use to swallow food. The term Achalasia refers to the meaning "Failure to relax."
yes
Cardiospasm
Achalasia
In achalasia, which means "failure to relax," the esophageal sphincter remains contracted. Normal peristalsis is interrupted and food cannot enter the stomach
achalasia (absent or ineffective peristalsis)
Abnormal enlargement of the lower portion of the esophagus, as seen in patients with achalasia.
Achalasia
The medical term for the failure of the muscles of the lower esophagus to relax during swallowing is called achalasia. This condition can cause symptoms such as difficulty swallowing, chest pain, and regurgitation of food. Treatment options may include medications, dilation of the esophagus, or surgery.