Esophageal achalasia is a disease whose characteristic symptom is dysphagia, i.e. disturbed swallowing. However, people struggling with e.g. thyroid disease, cancer or esophageal diverticula may also complain about difficulties with swallowing, so it is worth knowing how to recognize the symptoms of esophageal achalasia so that you can quickly start appropriate treatment. Otherwise, serious complications may occur, e.g. pneumonia.

Achalasia (stenosis) of the esophagusis a rare disease of the esophageal muscles, the essence of which is the malfunction of a capable esophageal sphincter. Normally, when swallowing, it relaxes, which allows the consumed food to be transferred to the stomach. Due to the increased muscle tone, the sphincter does not relax and does not open when eating.

Esophageal Achalasia - Causes

The causes of esophageal achalasia are not fully known. In some cases, the reduction (sometimes very severe) of the nerve cells (Auerbach's plexus) that coordinate contraction of the lower esophageal sphincter may be due to autoimmune disorders, esophageal cancer or Chagas disease. Doctors also do not rule out that the disease may occur in genetically burdened people.

Esophageal Achalasia - Symptoms

A characteristic symptom of the disease is dysphagia, i.e. difficulty or inability to swallow. Initially, the smooth muscles of the esophagus are unable to move only solid food, but as the disease progresses, it becomes difficult to swallow fluids (including saliva), which may be associated with choking or choking. There is also a burning sensation or an unpleasant aftertaste resulting from regurgitation of food into the mouth. Patients may also complain of coughing, heartburn, and chest pain. There may also be so-called pseudo-vomiting, not preceded by nausea. Weight loss is often the consequence of swallowing problems.

Important

Complications of esophageal achalasia

Dysphagia and food retention may contribute to the development of inflammation in the esophagus and to the discharge of food contents into the respiratory system, which may result in e.g. pneumonia. In addition, esophageal achalasia may contribute to the development of esophageal cancer.

Achalasiaesophagus - diagnosis

The first diagnostic stage is the esophageal X-ray with contrast, which allows the visualization of the stricture. Then, endoscopic examination of the esophagus is performed, as well as monometry - a test to measure the pressure within the esophagus.

Esophageal Achalasia - Treatment

People struggling with esophageal achalasia should switch to a mushy diet. It is necessary to eat meals in small portions, chew them thoroughly, and drink plenty of water. It is better to exclude from the diet foods that favor the discharge of gastric contents into the mouth, such as citrus fruits, chocolate, alcohol and coffee.

Drug treatment is based on the administration of drugs that reduce the tone of the lower esophageal sphincter (e.g. nitrates or calcium channel brokers). Treatment may also include Botox, which relaxes the muscles of the esophagus.

In difficult cases, the esophagus is dilated with an endoscope. Surgical treatment involves incision of the muscle fibers to reduce the tone of the lower esophageal sphincter.

Category:

Gastrology