Frequently Asked Questions
Achalasia is a rare disorder where the esophagus loses its ability to move food toward the stomach, causing swallowing difficulties.
Symptoms include difficulty swallowing, chest pain, regurgitation, and weight loss.
Diagnosis involves esophageal manometry, barium swallow X-rays, and endoscopy.
Treatments include pneumatic dilation, surgical myotomy, Botox injections, and medications.
It involves stretching the lower esophageal sphincter using a balloon to improve swallowing.
Heller myotomy is a surgical procedure to cut the muscles at the lower esophageal sphincter to relieve obstruction.
Botox injections can provide temporary relief by relaxing the sphincter muscles but may require repeat treatments.
There is no cure, but treatments can manage symptoms effectively.
If untreated, it can cause severe swallowing difficulties and risk of aspiration pneumonia.
Eating slowly, chewing well, drinking plenty of fluids with meals, and avoiding certain foods can help.
Regular follow-up with a gastroenterologist is recommended to monitor symptoms and complications.
Complications may include reflux, esophageal perforation, or infection depending on treatment type.
Yes, long-standing achalasia may slightly increase the risk of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.
Most cases are sporadic; hereditary cases are very rare.
Medications can provide limited symptom relief but are generally less effective than other treatments.