Table of contents:
- Definition
- What is achalasia?
- How common is achalasia?
- Signs & symptoms
- What are the signs and symptoms of acalacia?
- When should I see a doctor?
- Cause
- What causes achalasia?
- Risk factors
- What increases my risk for achalasia?
- Drugs & Medicines
- What are your treatment options for achalasia?
- What are the most common tests for achalasia?
- Home remedies
- What are some lifestyle changes and home remedies that can help control achalasia?
Definition
What is achalasia?
Achalasia is a disorder of the esophagus, which is the link between the mouth and stomach. This condition makes it difficult for food and drink to move from mouth to stomach. When you have achalasia, the valve muscles between the esophagus and stomach don't open after the food is swallowed.
This causes food and drink not to enter the esophagus. The failure of the valve to open is usually caused by a nervous system disorder.
How common is achalasia?
Akalasia is a rare disease that can affect both men and women. This disease can strike at any age but generally affects people who are older.
Achalasia can be controlled by reducing risk factors. Please discuss with your doctor for more information.
Signs & symptoms
What are the signs and symptoms of acalacia?
The main symptoms of achalasia are difficulty swallowing or chest pain when swallowing. You may also experience weight loss due to difficulty eating caused by pain when swallowing.
Other symptoms of achalasia are:
- Chest pain
- Cough
- There is a sound when you breathe
- Heartburn
- Burp
- Gag
In some cases, you can regurgitate your food. There are several other symptoms or signs that may not be listed above. If you are nervous about a symptom, please consult your doctor.
When should I see a doctor?
If you have any of the signs or symptoms listed above or if you have any questions, please consult your doctor. Everyone's body reacts differently. It is always good to discuss with your doctor what is best for your condition.
Cause
What causes achalasia?
Although the exact cause is not known, achalasia is the result of nerve damage to the esophagus. There is a loop of muscle at the point where the esophagus and stomach meet, which is called a lower esophageal valve or sphincter.
Usually, this muscle relaxes when you swallow normally. People with achalasia do not relax this muscle. In addition, the activity of muscle movement in the form of wringing food into the stomach (peristalsis) is also reduced.
Some health conditions that can also cause achalasia are:
- esophageal cancer
- certain autoimmune diseases
Risk factors
What increases my risk for achalasia?
Since the cause of nerve damage is unknown, the risk factors are not well identified. Some of the factors include:
- Have an esophageal tumor
- Chagas disease
Consult your doctor for more information.
Drugs & Medicines
The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor.
What are your treatment options for achalasia?
Until now, it is known that achalasia is a disease for which no cure has been found. However, there are special treatments aimed at helping relieve symptoms and prevent complications.
If you have achalasia, you should reduce pressure on the lower esophageal sphincter. This is done by enlarging the sphincter with a special tool or balloon. Even after enlargement, the esophagus will not move normally. The enlargement may be repeated if symptoms recur. This is done by your doctor.
Drugs like long-acting nitrates or calcium channel blockers can reduce the pressure on the sphincter. These medications are usually given by your doctor and taken when enlargement cannot be done.
The doctor can recommend injecting Botox (Botulinum toxin) on the sphincter to enlarge the esophagus.
If the patient is not treated promptly, complications can occur. These include the appearance of small holes in the esophagus, regurgitating food acids from the stomach into the esophagus, and aspiration pneumonia. Some people also develop esophageal cancer.
What are the most common tests for achalasia?
For diagnosis, the doctor can assign an X-ray by swallowing barium (before the x-ray, you will drink a liquid called white barium or reflective barium for later viewing using an X-ray). An X-ray will show a narrow section of your esophagus and the width of your esophagus. This process is also known as an X-ray of the upper digestive tract.
Your doctor also uses a measuring method to determine the pressure in the esophagus with or without swallowing and to increase the pressure on the lower esophageal sphincter for you.
A colonoscopy (using a small tube with a light at the end along with a camera at the top of the tube) can check whether the sphincter is narrowed or not.
To check for signs of a tumor, the doctor may order a biopsy, a tissue sample that is taken to be examined under a microscope.
Home remedies
What are some lifestyle changes and home remedies that can help control achalasia?
The lifestyle changes and home remedies below can help you deal with achalasia:
- Eat and chew slowly.
- Schedule another checkup to monitor. the development of your symptoms and your health.
- Listen to your doctor's directions, not just the medicines you are given.
- Call your doctor if you have prolonged difficulty swallowing, pain when swallowing or residual symptoms after treatment.
- Call your doctor if you vomit blood or experience new symptoms.
Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
