Achalasia: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Achalasia treatment is a relatively uncommon condition, with an annual incidence rate of about 1 in 100,000 people. Despite its rarity, it is critical to raise awareness of this illness because it can severely disrupt regular swallowing, leading to various health consequences if left untreated. This blog aims to fully explain Achalasia, including its causes, symptoms, diagnosis, possible treatment choices, and suggested lifestyle changes for effective management.
What Is Achalasia?
This disorder affects how the esophagus moves food. The lower esophageal sphincter (LES) and the muscles in the esophagus do not work as they should. Because the LES does not relax properly, food cannot enter the stomach easily, making swallowing difficult.
In a healthy esophagus, the muscles contract in a coordinated method to carry food from the mouth to the stomach. The LES, a muscle ring at the esophageal-gastric junction, remains tight most of the time to prevent stomach acid and partially digested food from returning to the esophagus. The LES relaxes to enable food into the stomach when you swallow.
Causes
The exact cause of this condition remains unclear. It is believed to result from the degeneration of specific nerves that control esophageal movement and LES relaxation. Because the muscle stays overly tight, a functional blockage occurs. Although it can appear at any age, it is most often detected between the ages of 25 and 60. Genetic or immune-related factors are still being investigated.
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Types :
Doctors classify this disorder into three main subtypes based on muscle behavior:
Type I (classic)
The most prevalent subtype is achalasia, which accounts for most Achalasia instances. Peristalsis, which refers to the synchronized muscle contractions that drive food through the esophagus, is absent in this version. Furthermore, the LES fails to relax, resulting in greater pressure and difficulty passing food into the stomach. The critical diagnostic criteria for classic achalasia are the absence of peristalsis and LES relaxation.
Type II
Type II (variant) Variant or Type II Achalasia, often known as "Achalasia with esophageal compression," is a less common form of Achalasia. Patients with type 2 achalasia or esophageal achalasia have some esophageal spasm, an aberrant, uncoordinated contraction of the esophageal muscles. This spastic component might cause sporadic chest pain and hinder swallowing even more.
Type III (Spastic)
Spastic or Type III is the disorder's rarest subtype. There is a pronounced esophageal spasm without peristalsis in this variation. Unlike in Classic Achalasia, where peristalsis is absent, patients with Spastic Achalasia have aberrant, disorganized contractions of the esophageal muscles, resulting in swallowing difficulty and food regurgitation.
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Symptoms
Common symptoms include:
- Dysphagia: Achalasia's most common symptom is trouble swallowing. Patients may have trouble swallowing both meals and liquids. Dysphagia is a condition that often worsens over time and leads to cricopharyngeal.
- Regurgitation: Due to the impeded passage of food into the stomach, undigested food, saliva, and other stomach contents can reflux back into the throat and mouth. Regurgitation can leave the mouth with a bitter or sour taste.
- Chest pain: Achalasia cardia can produce chest pain that is either acute or squeezing in character. The discomfort is commonly felt under the breastbone, although it can extend to the back, neck, or arms. Chest pain might be misinterpreted as cardi problems, resulting in a misdiagnosis.
- Heartburn: Heartburn, a burning sensation in the chest caused by stomach acid regurgitating into the esophagus, occurs in some patients with Achalasia.
- Weight Loss: People with Achalasia may avoid eating due to difficulties swallowing and the fear of food becoming lodged, resulting in unexpected weight loss.
Symptom severity varies from person to person. You can fix your consultation with one of our medical experts in Istanbul today!
Treatment Options
Three primary treatment approaches are commonly used:
Pneumatic Dilation (Balloon Dilation)
This non-surgical therapy is frequently used as first line treatment of achalasia. A deflated balloon is inserted into the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), which is the muscular ring that separates the esophagus from the stomach, during this procedure. The balloon is subsequently inflated, stretching and ripping the LES muscle to facilitate food flow.
Botulinum Toxin (Botox) Injection
Another non-surgical treatment for Achalasia is a Botulinum Toxin (Botox) injection into the LES. Botox relaxes the muscle, making it easier for food to pass into the stomach. However, the relief is temporary and may require repeat treatments every few months. If symptoms persist or Achalasia is severe, surgical options such as Heller myotomy a minimally invasive procedure that cuts the LES muscle to improve swallowing—may be recommended.
Surgical Myotomy
If patients do not respond to pneumatic dilation or Botox injections, or if their achalasia is particularly severe, surgical intervention may be necessary. The most common surgical procedure for achalasia is the Heller myotomy. During this surgery, the muscles of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) are carefully cut to reduce constriction and allow food to pass more easily into the stomach. While Heller myotomy was once performed using open surgery, it is now commonly done using minimally invasive laparoscopic techniques, which involve smaller incisions and typically result in faster recovery times.
Lifestyle Modification
Following any therapy, patients will likely need to make specific lifestyle changes to improve their swallowing and prevent complications. Smaller, more frequent meals, thoroughly chewing food, avoiding foods that aggravate symptoms, and eating upright are some examples.
Get Your Achalasia Medical Procedure Done In Turkey: Liv Hospital
Choosing Liv Hospital in Turkey for treatment offers a distinct advantage, as it represents a leading international approach to healthcare and operates a network of seven state-of-the-art hospitals. Liv Hospital is dedicated to excellence, providing world-class medical services supported by advanced technology, highly qualified specialists, and a compassionate, patient-centered approach. This commitment ensures the best possible outcomes for individuals seeking effective and personalized achalasia therapy.
You can contact Liv Hospital experts to learn more about achalasia treatment options and pricing details in Turkey and begin your journey toward improved digestive health with trusted medical care.
* Liv Hospital Editorial Board has contributed to the publication of this content.
* Contents of this page are for informational purposes only. Please consult your doctor for diagnosis and treatment. The content of this page does not include information on medical health care at Liv Hospital.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What causes ?
It occurs when the nerves in the esophagus are damaged, preventing the lower esophageal sphincter from relaxing properly.
What are the main symptoms?
Difficulty swallowing food or liquids, chest pain, regurgitation, heartburn, and unintended weight loss.
How is diagnosed?
Doctors use tests such as endoscopy, barium swallow X-rays, and esophageal manometry to confirm the diagnosis.
What are the treatment options?
Common treatments include balloon dilation, Botox injections, and surgical myotomy to relax the esophageal muscle.
Is achalasia curable?
While there is no permanent cure, proper treatment helps manage symptoms and improves swallowing significantly.
Can diet help with achalasia?
Yes. Eating slowly, taking smaller bites, and avoiding foods that worsen symptoms can ease discomfort.
Why choose Liv Hospital for achalasia treatment?
Liv Hospital in Turkey provides expert gastroenterologists, advanced minimally invasive procedures, and personalized patient care.
