Achalasia

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Digestive system Upper gastrointestinal system

Overview Symptoms Treatment Prevention

Achalasia

The approach to treatment is to reduce the pressure at the lower esophageal sphincter. This may be achieved by manipulating the lower esophagus sphincter with special instruments.

Therapy usually involves dilation of the lower sphincter or injection with botulinum toxin to paralyze it and prevent spasms. Medications such as long-acting nitrates or calcium channel blockers can also be used to lower the pressure at the lower esophagus sphincter.

Surgery to decrease the pressure in the lower sphincter (called an esophagomyotomy) may be indicated if other interventions fail.

Surgical outcomes are good -- dilation alone often results in only temporary improvement in symptoms.

• Tearing (perforation) of the esophagus
• Regurgitation of acid or food from the stomach into the esophagus (reflux)
• Aspiration of food contents into the lung that can cause pneumonia

Call your provider if you have persistent difficulty swallowing or painful swallowing, or if symptoms persist despite treatment for achalasia.

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