Achalasia
Achalasia is a rare condition that affects your food pipe (gullet or oesophagus). When we swallow usually, the muscles in the oesophagus contract to squeeze food down towards the stomach. The lower oesophageal sphincter (LES), a ring of muscle at the bottom of the oesophagus, then automatically relaxes to let food pass into the stomach.
If a person has achalasia, the muscles in the oesophagus do not work effectively. The sphincter can also fail to open properly, or not open at all. Food and drinks become stuck and are often regurgitated (brought back up).
Symptoms of achalasia
Most people with achalasia will find it hard to swallow food or drink (dysphagia).
Other symptoms may include:
- Heartburn
- Chest pain
- Discomfort after eating
- Bouts of coughing or choking
- Aspiration (when food or liquid enters your airway)
- Regurgitating undigested food
- Drooling
- Frequent chest infections
- Weight loss
Some of these symptoms can be caused by acid reflux, which is much more common than achalasia.
Achalasia can start at any time in your life, though it is more common in those who are middle-aged or older. Your symptoms will gradually get worse over a couple of years until it becomes extremely difficult to swallow.
Causes
Achalasia can develop when the LES or the nerves in your oesophagus become damaged. Your oesophagus can’t move food down into your stomach.
The exact reason for this is not clear. In some people, it may be the result of a viral infection or due to a problem with their immune system where it attacks healthy cells. People with autoimmune disorders can be at higher risk of achalasia.
Diagnosis and tests
We may need to do the following tests to diagnose achalasia:
Find out more about what these tests involve in our blog: What is achalasia?
Treatment
There is no cure for achalasia but there are treatments that can help manage your symptoms. These may include endoscopy procedures (where a tube is placed into your food pipe) or keyhole surgery. These aim to improve the sphincter function and allow food to pass more easily into your stomach again.
The treatment options we may consider include:
- Endoscopic balloon dilatation
- Botox injection
- Per oral endoscopic myotomy (POEM)
- Laparoscopic Heller’s myotomy (LHR)
Read more about these treatments in our blog: What is achalasia?
In the long-term, leaving achalasia untreated can very slightly increase the risk of developing cancer of your oesophagus. It’s important that you see your doctor if you’re concerned about any symptoms.
Book an appointment
If you are worried about your symptoms or think you may have achalasia, our specialist team can help. Our experts will discuss your treatment options with you and monitor your condition.
To find out more, contact us today.
For more information on achalasia awareness, see our infographic.
Treatments / Symptom Management
Gastroscopy and dilatation
Botox injection
Per oral endoscopic myotomy (POEM)
Laparoscopic Heller’s myotomy (LHR)