Achalasia is an uncommon condition in which the muscular body of the esophagus does not contract normally or at all. The muscular valve mechanism at the end of the esophagus also fails to relax, which creates a barrier to food and liquid entering the stomach. Over time, the body of the esophagus becomes stretched out and dilated, acting like a reservoir, and large volumes of food and liquid can accumulate causing uncomfortable symptoms like heartburn.
If you or a loved one are dealing heart burn or indigestion you suspect are caused by achalasia, you can rely on our team at Northeast Georgia Physicians Group (NGPG) Heartburn & Swallowing for expert diagnosis and care.
What are the symptoms of achalasia?
The most common symptom is difficulty swallowing, but patients will often describe a sensation of swallowed food, or even an entire meal, being stuck in the chest for a period of time. Some other common symptoms of achalasia include:
- Regurgitation of food
- Chest pain
- Heart burn
- Hiccups
- Pain after eating
- Weight loss
What causes achalasia?
The exact cause of achalasia is unknown, but research is ongoing. Medical scientists believe the condition is related to damaged nerves that control muscles in the esophagus. Some factors that may contribute to nerve damage that causes achalasia include:
- Autoimmune diseases
- Genetic mutations
- Exposure to toxins
- Certain infections
Who’s at risk for achalasia?
While anyone can develop achalasia, some people are at a higher risk than others. Some risk factors may include:
- Aging
- Being male
- Smoking
- Obesity
How is achalasia diagnosed?
NGPG’s Heartburn and Swallowing Centers offer diagnostic procedures in house to determine treatment planning for patients with a variety of esophageal issues. For patients with difficulty swallowing, the most common procedures we perform to diagnose achalasia are:
How is achalasia treated?
While there is no cure for achalasia, there are several options for treatment, and patients generally will find great relief of their symptoms with at least one of those options. It is important to have a discussion as to what all of your treatment options are, so that you and your physician pursue the one that is most right for you. The treatments that NGPG Heartburn & Swallowing offers for achalasia include:
- Endoscopy: This minimally invasive procedure involves loosening esophageal muscles with an endoscope, temporarily or permanently relieving difficulty swallowing.
- Surgery: Surgery can be performed to help widen the space in the esophagus by cutting muscle, allowing food to pass through more easily.
Choose NGPG for Achalasia Treatment & Diagnostics
If you or a loved one struggling with heart burn and indigestion that you believe are caused by achalasia, you can trust our specialists at NGPG Heartburn & Swallowing to provide accurate diagnosis and a custom treatment plan for you.
NGPG’s Heartburn & Swallowing specialists have expertise in diagnosing and treating disorders of the esophagus, including achalasia. If you have been diagnosed with achalasia or are experiencing symptoms, contact us today.