$Unique_ID{BRK01320}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{What is Achalasia?}
$Subject{esophagus swallowing difficulty achalasia digestive system ill
defined symptoms rare diseases achalasia food throat throats digestive tract
sphincter muscles swallow regurgitation regurgitate dietary symptom disease
foods digestion muscle}
$Volume{I-10, N-10}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991-92,1993   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


What is Achalasia?


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QUESTION:  I have great difficulty getting my food down on some occasions, and
so consulted my doctor.  Although the tests are not all finished yet, he did
mention the problem he suspects.  He called it "Akalasia" (spelling may be
wrong, I didn't get it in writing) and I am most curious to find out just what
this is.  Can you help?

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ANSWER:  It is spelled "achalasia" and it is a disorder of the esophagus.  A
tubular passageway, formed mostly of muscles, the esophagus propels food into
the digestive tract by a series of coordinated and rhythmic contractions.
When a person has achalasia, the esophagus can take on the appearance of a
badly beat-up funnel.  It gets enlarged on top and so "beaklike" at the bottom
that it is difficult for food to get through.  The sphincter muscles at the
bottom of the esophagus fail to relax and the result can be either
"hyperactive" with spasmodic contractions, or "weak and ineffective" (or none
at all) where the muscles can not push the food through.  Symptoms of
achalasia include difficult swallowing, chest pain, and regurgitation of food.
Other diseases such as pneumonia can arise as complications of achalasia.
Treatment starts with some dietary changes, but may require surgery as well.
One type of operation attempts to dilates the lower obstruction by inflating a
balloon placed at the narrowest point, thus enlarging the passage for food.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.