Achalasia ? The Disease, Its Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Cure

Posted by Dr. Vikas Singla on June 8th, 2018

The esophagus is an extremely vital component of the human body. It is essentially a tube that carries food from the throat to the stomach. Achalasia is a severe medical condition that significantly affects the esophagus. It is a rare disease of the muscle of the lower esophageal sphincter, as well as the lower esophageal body. The term achalasia basically means "failure to relax" and it refers to the inability of the lower esophageal sphincter to open up and let the required food pass into the stomach. The lower esophageal sphincter is a ring of muscle that lies between the stomach and the lower esophagus.

People suffering from achalasia face difficulty in swallowing food, which subsequently leads to a backup of food components within the esophagus. Apart from the failure to relax, achalasia is additionally associated with the abnormalities of esophageal peristalsis, which is the coordinated muscular activity of the body of the esophagus that plays a key role in transporting food from the throat to the stomach.

Anyone suffering from this ailment should consult a renowned Achalasia doctor in Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Pune, etc., where there are top health care facilities with doctors specializing in the cure and management of diseases such as these.

What causes achalasia?

Various auto immune conditions as well as hereditary disorders can lead to Achalasia. In this medical condition, the immune system of the body attacks the healthy cells present in the esophageal region.  The degeneration of the nerves present in the esophagus quite often contributes to the advanced symptoms of this ailment.

Who is at risk for achalasia?

While Achalasia ideally occurs in the later stage of life, in some cases, it may also occur in children. People, who are in their middle age or are older, face a higher risk of suffering from this condition. In addition to this, Achalasia is known to be more common among individuals with autoimmune disorders.

What are the symptoms of achalasia?

People suffering from achalasia will often feel like feel like food is stuck in their esophagus, and have trouble swallowing solid food items. This symptom is also referred to as dysphagia. This symptom can subsequently cause coughing, and augment the risk of asphyxiation. Some of the other symptoms of Achalasia include:

•  Heartburn
•  Weight loss
•  Discomfort or intense pain after eating
•  Pain or discomfort in the chest

Regurgitation or backflow can also be symptoms of achalasia. In case one identifies these symptoms in themselves or their near and dear ones, they should consult a renowned Achalasia doctor at once. Some of the most renowned Achalasia doctors practice in Delhi, as the capital city of the country is also one of the prime medical hot-spots of the country, which houses a host of nationally renowned hospitals and diagnostic facilities. Specialists experienced in treating Achalasia ideally carry out the following diagnostic tests to identify the disease:

•  Upper GI endoscopy to rule out obstructing lesion
•  Barium swallow
•  Esophageal manometry

After the diagnosis, if patients are found to be suffering from Achalasia, then they are subsequently treated with the help of :

•  Surgery
•  Endoscopic pneumatic balloon dilatation
•  Oral nifedipine and nitroglycerine
•  Botulinum injection

Conditions such as this can be extremely uncomfortable and turn out to be life-threatening if not treated on time. Therefore, it is always suggested that whenever such a condition is suspected by a doctor, specialists must be consulted and a management plan put in place.