Achalasia
Achalasia
Achalasia (pronounced: ah-kuh-LAY-zee-uh) is a rare disorder that makes it difficult for food and liquid to pass into your stomach. Achalasia occurs when nerves in the tube connecting your mouth and stomach (the esophagus) become damaged. As a result, the esophagus loses the ability to squeeze food down, and the muscular valve between the esophagus and stomach (lower esophageal sphincter) doesn't fully relax — making it difficult for food to pass into your stomach.
Etymology
The term "achalasia" originates from the Greek words "a-" meaning "no" and "chalasis" meaning "relaxation". This refers to the inability of the lower esophageal sphincter to relax and allow food to pass into the stomach.
Symptoms
The main symptoms of achalasia include difficulty swallowing (dysphagia), regurgitation of undigested food, chest pain, weight loss, and heartburn.
Diagnosis
Achalasia can be diagnosed through various tests such as barium swallow, endoscopy, and esophageal manometry.
Treatment
Treatment options for achalasia include oral medications, botulinum toxin (Botox) injections, pneumatic dilation, or surgery (Heller myotomy).
Related Terms
- Esophagus: The tube that connects the throat (pharynx) with the stomach.
- Lower esophageal sphincter: A bundle of muscles at the low end of the esophagus, where it meets the stomach.
- Dysphagia: Difficulty or discomfort in swallowing.
- Barium swallow: A diagnostic test that involves X-rays of the esophagus, stomach, and small intestine.
- Endoscopy: A procedure used to examine the digestive tract.
- Esophageal manometry: A test that measures the pressure inside the lower part of the esophagus.
- Botulinum toxin: A neurotoxic protein produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum and related species.
- Pneumatic dilation: A procedure that uses air pressure to dilate the esophagus.
- Heller myotomy: A surgical procedure used to treat achalasia.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Achalasia
- Wikipedia's article - Achalasia
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