Achalasia

Achalasia is a rare disorder that affects the esophagus, the tube connecting the throat to the stomach. It occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), a muscular ring that controls the flow of food into the stomach, fails to relax properly during swallowing. As a result, food and liquids have difficulty passing through the esophagus and into the stomach. This can lead to symptoms such as difficulty swallowing, regurgitation of undigested food, chest pain, and weight loss.

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The exact cause of achalasia is not fully understood, but it is believed to involve damage or degeneration of the nerves in the esophagus. There are treatment options available to manage the symptoms. Medications can be prescribed to help relax the LES and improve swallowing. In more severe cases, surgical procedures such as balloon dilation, Botox, or a surgical myotomy (cutting the muscle) may be recommended. It is important for individuals with achalasia to work closely with their healthcare team to find the most appropriate treatment approach for their specific condition.