Achalasia
Einstein Health Glossary
ICD 10 - K220
What is achalasia?
Achalasia is a disease of the esophagus that makes it difficult for food and liquids to pass into the stomach. It occurs when nerves in the esophagus—a tube that connects the throat to the stomach—are damaged, preventing the muscles in the area from contracting properly.
Symptoms
Achalasia causes symptoms such as pain and progressive difficulty swallowing, choking, coughing, heartburn, chest pain, pneumonia, and respiratory infections. Regurgitation of food and drinks is common.
Causes
Chagas disease, autoimmune disorders, and genetic conditions can cause achalasia. Some cases occur without a defined cause.
Diagnosis
Achalasia can be diagnosed through tests such as manometry, which measures pressure in the digestive tract, barium swallow test, X-ray, and endoscopy.
Prevention Methods
Controlling Chagas disease helps prevent achalasia caused by this condition. Other causes of achalasia do not have established prevention methods.
Treatment
There is no cure for achalasia, but treatment helps relieve symptoms. It includes surgery to relax the esophageal muscles, balloon dilation, medications, and botulinum toxin injections (commonly known as Botox).
Duration
There is no cure for achalasia. Once diagnosed, it remains with the person for life.
Is it contagious?
Achalasia is not contagious.
Can it be contracted more than once?
Achalasia is only diagnosed once, as it has no cure.