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Esophageal Achalasia is a condition characterized by heartburn, chest pain and coughing. Find out why this disease occurs.
Causes of esophageal achalasia
The cause of esophageal achalasia is the lack of nerve cells (Auerbach’s plexus) in the lower part of the esophagus, as a result of which the lower esophageal sphincter does not show relaxing properties during the passage of food. This situation makes swallowing (food dysphagia) difficult – initially only solids, sometimes also liquid ones. As food collects above the esophageal stricture, the esophagus widens in this section. Therefore, food is often returned.
Achalasia occurs mainly in people aged 30–60 years. The patient’s condition is good and the nutritional status is normal.
Esophageal Achalasia – Symptoms
Patients suffering from esophageal achalasia have:
- problems with swallowing (dysphagia),
- a burning sensation or an unpleasant aftertaste caused by the regurgitation of food into the mouth,
- chest pain,
- heartburn (a characteristic burning sensation behind the breastbone),
- cough,
- choking.
What is the diagnosis of esophageal achalasia?
The doctor diagnoses esophageal achalasia, most often based on an X-ray examination (X-ray) of the esophagus with the application of a contrast agent. Sometimes endoscopic examination of the esophagus (esophagoscopy) and esophageal manometry (evaluation of the sphincter tone of this organ) are also performed.
Esophageal Achalasia – Treatment
Treatment of esophageal achalasia is based on:
- implementing a mushy or shredded diet,
- avoiding stressful situations,
- sleeping in a semi-sitting position, which reduces the risk of choking on food.
If the disease is in its early stages, your doctor may prescribe the use of antispasmodics and sedatives. If this action does not produce the desired results, it may be necessary endoscopic treatment or operational widening of the inlet. In the latter case, an operation is performed hellera, consisting in cutting a longitudinal strand of the circular muscle layer in the area of the groove.
Text: lek. med. Matylda Mazur