Did you know that achalasia, a rare and serious swallowing disorder, affects approximately 1 in every 100,000 people each year? While uncommon, its impact on daily life can be significant, making it hard to eat, drink, and maintain proper nutrition. If you experience persistent trouble swallowing, it’s important to seek expert care.
At Newtown Gastroenterology, our board-certified specialists provide expert gastroenterology care across New York, NY. We use advanced diagnostic tools and proven treatment methods to help patients find relief from complex esophageal conditions like achalasia. If you’re struggling with symptoms, schedule an appointment today to get the help you need.
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Here are five key things everyone should understand about this condition.
1. What Is Achalasia and How Does It Affect the Esophagus?
Achalasia is a disorder of the esophagus, the muscular tube that carries food from your throat to your stomach. In a healthy person, the muscles of the esophagus contract in a wave-like motion called peristalsis to push food down. At the bottom, a muscular ring known as the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) relaxes to let food enter the stomach.
In achalasia, this process breaks down. The nerve cells in the esophagus are damaged, which prevents the muscles from contracting properly. Even more importantly, the LES fails to relax. This malfunction means food and liquid get stuck in the esophagus instead of moving into the stomach. Over time, the esophagus can widen and lose its ability to function, leading to significant discomfort and health problems.
2. What Are the Common Symptoms of Achalasia?
Achalasia symptoms often develop gradually and can be mistaken for other digestive issues like GERD. Recognizing the signs is the first step toward getting an accurate diagnosis. The primary symptom is dysphagia, or difficulty swallowing. It may feel as if food is stuck in your chest.
Other common achalasia symptoms include:
- Regurgitation: Bringing undigested food or liquid back up, sometimes hours after a meal. This can happen when you're lying down, increasing the risk of choking.
- Chest Pain: Many people experience a feeling of pressure or sharp pain in their chest, which can be severe.
- Heartburn: A burning sensation that doesn't improve with antacids, often caused by food fermenting in the esophagus.
- Unintentional Weight Loss: Difficulty eating and poor nutrient absorption can lead to significant weight loss and malnutrition.
- Coughing or Choking: Especially at night, regurgitated contents can enter the windpipe, causing coughing fits.
If any of these symptoms sound familiar, consulting a GI specialist in Newtown Gastroenterology is crucial.
3. What Causes Achalasia?
- Primary achalasia (idiopathic): Cause unknown, likely an autoimmune condition where the immune system attacks nerve cells in the esophageal wall.
- Possible trigger: Viral infection in genetically predisposed individuals.
- Secondary achalasia (pseudoachalasia): Caused by other medical conditions, such as:
- Certain cancers.
- Chagas' disease (parasitic infection).
4. How Is Achalasia Diagnosed and Treated in New York, NY?
Diagnosing achalasia involves specialized tests to assess esophageal function. At Newtown Gastroenterology, we use advanced tools like esophageal manometry, which measures muscle contractions and LES relaxation. Other tests include:
- Upper Endoscopy: Uses a camera to inspect the esophagus and stomach.
- Barium Swallow: X-rays after drinking a liquid to track esophagus function.
Treatment focuses on opening the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) and may include:
- Pneumatic Dilation: Balloon stretches the LES.
- Heller Myotomy: Minimally invasive surgery to cut LES muscles.
- POEM: Less invasive endoscopic procedure to open the LES.
- Botox: Temporary relaxation of the LES via injection.
5. Why Is Early Diagnosis So Important?
Delaying treatment for achalasia can lead to serious complications like esophageal cancer, malnutrition, and aspiration pneumonia. Early diagnosis at Newtown Gastroenterology allows us to stop disease progression, restore comfortable eating, and protect your health. Don’t wait—get answers and start treatment today.
Schedule Your Consultation with a GI Specialist Today
If you are struggling with difficulty swallowing or other related symptoms, it is essential to get an accurate diagnosis from an experienced team. Newtown Gastroenterology is here to provide the expert, compassionate care you need.
Don’t wait for your symptoms to worsen. Schedule an appointment for a comprehensive evaluation at one of our convenient New York, NY, locations. Our specialists are ready to help you understand your condition and find the right treatment plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can achalasia be cured?
There is no cure for achalasia, as the nerve damage cannot be reversed. However, treatments are very effective at managing symptoms by opening the lower esophageal sphincter, allowing you to swallow normally and live comfortably.
Is achalasia a common disease?
No, achalasia is a rare disorder. It is estimated to affect only about 1 in 100,000 people worldwide each year. Because it is uncommon, its symptoms are sometimes misdiagnosed as more frequent conditions like GERD.
What foods should I avoid with achalasia?
While it varies by person, many people with achalasia find it difficult to swallow tough meats, bread, and dry, crumbly foods. It may help to eat soft, moist foods, chew thoroughly, drink plenty of water with meals, and eat sitting upright.
Can children get achalasia?
Yes, although it is extremely rare, achalasia can occur in children. The symptoms are similar to those in adults, including difficulty swallowing and regurgitation. A pediatric gastroenterologist should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment.
Can achalasia come back after treatment?
Symptoms can return over time, even after successful treatment. Procedures like pneumatic dilation may need to be repeated every few years. Surgical myotomy generally offers more long-lasting relief, but it is important to have regular follow-ups with your gastroenterologist to monitor your condition.
