Achalasia: Everything You Should Know About This Rare Esophageal Disorder
Achalasia is a relatively rare esophageal motility disorder that affects the way food and liquids pass through the esophagus into the stomach. It is characterized by the inability of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) to relax properly during swallowing, leading to difficulty in moving food down into the stomach. Dr. Srivatsan Gurumurthy (Robotic surgeon) treats Achalasia cases frequently and understands the importance of raising awareness about this condition. In this blog, He provides a comprehensive overview of Achalasia, its symptoms, causes, diagnosis, treatment options, and outcomes. If You or anyone who is suffering from these diseases or has problems swallowing foods and liquids then you can consult Dr. Srivtasan Gurumurthy at GEM Hospital, Chennai. Let’s Dive in
Achalasia is a disorder that affects the esophagus, the muscular tube that connects the mouth to the stomach. Normally, the LES, a ring-like muscle at the lower end of the esophagus, relaxes to allow food and liquids to enter the stomach. However, in individuals with Achalasia, the LES fails to relax properly, leading to difficulty in swallowing (dysphagia)
What are the symptoms of Achalasia-Cardia?
The most common sign of achalasia is difficulty swallowing. Also, the Patient can experience Other symptoms that may include:
Difficulty in swallowing food or even water
The sensation of food stuck up in the chest.
Regurgitation of undigested food from mouth and nose
Some may face pneumonia and
You can also face vomiting.
The exact cause of Achalasia is not fully understood. It is believed to be a result of nerve damage in the esophagus, leading to the malfunctioning of the LES. Some theories suggest that viral infections or autoimmune reactions may trigger this nerve damage.
Diagnosing Achalasia requires a series of tests, including:
Esophageal manometry: Measures the pressure inside the esophagus and LES during swallowing.
Barium swallow: X-ray imaging of the esophagus after drinking a liquid containing barium to observe its shape and function.
Endoscopy: A thin, flexible tube with a camera is inserted into the esophagus to examine its lining and rule out other conditions.
Achalasia Treatment Options:
While there is no cure for Achalasia, several treatment options are available to manage its symptoms and improve the patient’s quality of life. These include:
Pneumatic dilation: A balloon is inserted by endoscopy into the center of the esophageal sphincter and inflated to enlarge the opening. This outpatient procedure may need to be repeated if the esophageal sphincter doesn’t stay open. Nearly one-third of people treated with balloon dilation need repeat treatment within five years. This procedure requires sedation.
Heller myotomy: A surgical procedure where the LES muscle is cut to allow better food passage. Dr. Srivatsan Gurumurthy can be done noninvasively (laparoscopic Heller myotomy). Some people who have a Heller myotomy may later develop gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). To avoid future problems with GERD, a procedure known as fundoplication might be performed at the same time as a Heller myotomy. In fundoplication, he wraps the top of your stomach around the lower esophagus to create an anti-reflux valve, preventing acid from coming back (GERD) into the esophagus. Fundoplication is usually done with a minimally invasive (laparoscopic) procedure.
Peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM): A less invasive endoscopic surgery where the LES is cut from inside the esophagus. Peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) is a minimally invasive alternative to laparascopic Heller myotomy. In this procedure, muscles on the side of the esophagus, the LES and the upper part of the stomach are cut with a knife. The cuts in these areas loosen the muscles, allowing the esophagus to empty like it normally should, passing food down into your stomach.
Botox injection: This muscle relaxant can be injected directly into the esophageal sphincter with an endoscopic needle. The injections may need to be repeated, and repeat injections may make it more difficult to perform surgery later if needed.
If you or your loved one suffer the problem of Swallowing Foods and liquids may be the reason for Achalasia Cardia Disease, Don’t Ignore it. Visit Dr. Srivatsan Gurumurthy at GEM Hospital, Chennai for better treatment. To book an appointment call us on 099625 33472 or you can book an appointment online