Digestive discomfort, such as indigestion, can disrupt daily life, but sometimes symptoms point to something less common. While many people experience issues like bloating or acid reflux after a meal, persistent trouble swallowing could be a sign of a more specific condition that requires expert attention. Understanding the difference is the first step toward finding the right diagnosis and treatment.
Achalasia is a rare esophageal condition that makes swallowing difficult and impacts digestion. At Newtown Gastroenterology, our experienced specialists in New York provide advanced diagnostics and personalized care to manage this complex disorder. We help patients understand their condition, find relief from their symptoms, and improve their quality of life. Schedule an appointment with us.
Here are five key things you need to know about achalasia.
1. What Is Achalasia Disease?
Achalasia is a rare disorder that affects the esophagus, the muscular tube that carries food from your mouth to your stomach. In a healthy esophagus, muscles contract in a coordinated wave to push food down. At the bottom, a muscular ring called the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) relaxes to allow food into the stomach. With achalasia, this process breaks down.
The nerves in the esophagus become damaged, which prevents the muscles from squeezing properly and stops the LES from relaxing. As a result, food gets stuck in the esophagus instead of moving into the stomach. This can lead to significant discomfort and other health complications if not addressed.
2. Common Symptoms of Achalasia
The primary symptom of achalasia is difficulty swallowing, also known as dysphagia. It can feel as though food or liquid is stuck in your chest. This sensation may start subtly and worsen over time, making mealtimes stressful and uncomfortable.
Other common achalasia symptoms include:
- Regurgitation: Food that hasn't reached the stomach may come back up.
- Chest Pain: Discomfort or a feeling of pressure behind the breastbone, which can be mistaken for a heart attack.
- Heartburn: A burning sensation that doesn't improve with standard acid reflux medications.
- Unintended Weight Loss: Difficulty eating can lead to poor nutrition and weight loss.
- Coughing or Choking: Especially when lying down, as backed-up food can irritate the airway.
Recognizing these symptoms is crucial, as they often overlap with more common conditions like GERD, leading to potential misdiagnosis.
3. What Causes Achalasia?
The exact cause of achalasia is often unknown, but it is believed to result from the gradual loss of nerve cells in the esophagus. This nerve damage disrupts the signals that control muscle contractions and the relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter.
While the specific trigger for this nerve damage isn't clear, researchers believe it may be linked to an autoimmune response. In some cases, the body's immune system may mistakenly attack the nerve cells in the esophagus, possibly following a viral infection. Because what causes achalasia is not fully understood, a professional evaluation is essential for an accurate diagnosis.
4. Why Early Diagnosis Matters
Getting an early and accurate diagnosis for achalasia is vital for managing the condition effectively and preventing serious complications. When left untreated, food can collect in the esophagus, causing it to stretch and widen over time. This can worsen symptoms and increase the risk of other health issues.
Potential complications from delayed diagnosis include aspiration pneumonia, a lung infection caused by inhaling regurgitated food or liquid. Chronic inflammation can also slightly increase the risk of esophageal cancer over the long term. At Newtown Gastroenterology, we use advanced diagnostic tools like upper endoscopy and esophageal manometry (a test that measures muscle pressure) to confirm an achalasia diagnosis and rule out other conditions.
5. Treatment Options for Achalasia
While there is no cure for achalasia disease, several effective treatments can manage symptoms and improve esophageal function. The goal of treatment is to help the lower esophageal sphincter relax so that food can pass more easily into the stomach. Your gastroenterologist will recommend the best approach based on your specific condition, age, and overall health.
Common achalasia treatment options include:
- Pneumatic Dilation: A non-surgical procedure where a balloon is used to stretch and open the LES.
- Heller Myotomy: A minimally invasive surgery where the muscle fibers of the LES are cut to relieve pressure.
- Peroral Endoscopic Myotomy (POEM): An advanced endoscopic procedure that achieves the same goal as a Heller myotomy but without external incisions.
- Botox Injections: Injections of botulinum toxin into the LES can temporarily relax the muscle, often used for patients who are not candidates for surgery.
Get Expert Achalasia Care in New York, NY
Achalasia is a challenging condition, but with proper diagnosis and a personalized treatment plan, you can effectively manage your symptoms and restore your quality of life. The specialists at Newtown Gastroenterology are here to provide the expert guidance and compassionate care you need to navigate this journey.
Don't let swallowing difficulties control your life. Schedule an appointment with Newtown Gastroenterology today to discuss our achalasia treatment options and take the first step toward relief.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is achalasia a serious condition?
Achalasia is a serious, lifelong condition that requires medical management. While not typically life-threatening, it can lead to significant complications like malnutrition, weight loss, and aspiration pneumonia if left untreated. Proper treatment is essential to manage symptoms and maintain your health.
Can achalasia be cured?
Currently, there is no cure for achalasia because the underlying nerve damage cannot be reversed. However, various treatments can effectively manage symptoms by helping the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) function better, allowing you to eat and drink more comfortably.
How is achalasia diagnosed?
Achalasia is typically diagnosed through a series of tests. An upper endoscopy allows a doctor to see inside your esophagus. Esophageal manometry is the key test, measuring muscle contractions and LES pressure. A barium swallow x-ray may also be used to watch how liquid moves through your esophagus.
Can diet help with achalasia symptoms?
Yes, dietary changes can help manage achalasia symptoms. Eating smaller, more frequent meals, chewing food thoroughly, drinking plenty of water with meals, and avoiding trigger foods can make swallowing easier. It's often helpful to sit upright while eating and for a period afterward.
