Achalasia Diagnosis & Treatment Benoni & Boksburg Joburg

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Achalasia

What is achalasia?

Achalasia is a swallowing disorder that primarily affects the oesophagus, the tube connecting the mouth to the stomach. Damage to the nerves impairs the ability of oesophageal muscles to move liquids and food into the stomach. As a result, food may accumulate in the oesophagus, remain stagnant, and occasionally regurgitate into the mouth.

Achalasia remains incurable because damage to the oesophagus prevents optimal muscle function. Symptoms are typically managed through surgical intervention, minimally invasive procedures, or endoscopy.

What are the common signs of achalasia?

Difficulty swallowing, known as dysphagia, is a common symptom.
Swallowed food returns to the throat.
A burning sensation in the chest (heartburn)
Intermittent chest pain
Sudden, unexpected weight loss
Vomiting
Nocturnal coughing

What causes achalasia?

The exact cause of achalasia is unknown; however, research suggests it may result from the loss of nerve cells in the oesophagus.

How do you check for achalasia?

Achalasia is frequently overlooked or misdiagnosed as other disorders affecting the digestive tract. Diagnosis typically involves the following tests:

Esophageal manometry measures muscle contractions in the oesophagus during swallowing. This test helps determine the specific type of swallowing disorder present.
Upper endoscopy uses a flexible scope equipped with a light and camera to examine the upper gastrointestinal tract in detail. This procedure identifies partial blockages in the oesophagus and allows for the collection of tissue samples for further analysis.

How do you resolve achalasia?

Treatment for achalasia focuses on stretching or relaxing the lower oesophageal sphincter to facilitate the passage of food through the digestive tract. The choice of treatment depends on the patient's specific condition and overall health.

Prompt medical evaluation is essential if achalasia is suspected. Early diagnosis and intervention are important for effective management. Contact our practice for more information about achalasia and find out how we can help manage the disorder.