Achalasia
Achalasia is a rare disorder of the food pipe (oesophagus). This can make it difficult to swallow food and drink. Symptoms of achalasia may start at any time of life. If your GP thinks you have achalasia, you will be referred to hospital for tests.
About achalasia
Normally, the muscles of the oesophagus contract to squeeze food along towards the stomach. A ring of muscle at the end of the food pipe then relaxes to let food into the stomach.
In achalasia, the muscles in the oesophagus don't contract correctly and the ring of muscle can fail to open properly, or doesn't open at all.
Food and drink cannot pass into the stomach and becomes stuck. It is often brought back up.
Symptoms of achalasia
Not everyone with achalasia will have symptoms.
But most people with achalasia will find it difficult to swallow food or drink (known as dysphagia).
Swallowing tends to get gradually more difficult or painful over a couple of years, to the point where it is sometimes impossible.
Other symptoms include:
- bringing back up undigested food
- choking and coughing fits
- heartburn
- chest pain
- repeated chest infections
- drooling of vomit or saliva
- gradual but significant weight loss
Symptoms of achalasia may start at any time of life.
Long-term untreated achalasia very slightly increases the risk of developing cancer of the oesophagus.
This means it is important to tell your GP if you have symptoms of achalasia, even if your symptoms are not bothering you.
The earlier the condition is diagnosed and treated, the lower the risk.
Causes of achalasia
Achalasia is thought to happen when the nerves in the oesophagus become damaged and stop working properly. This is why the muscles and ring of muscle don't work. The exact cause of this is unknown.
In some people, it may be linked to a viral infection.
It may also be linked with having an autoimmune condition, where the body's immune system attacks healthy cells, tissue and organs.
In very rare cases, achalasia may run in families.
Diagnosing achalasia
If your GP thinks you have achalasia from your symptoms, you will be referred to hospital to have some tests.
Achalasia may also be diagnosed during an investigation, such as a chest X-ray, for another reason.
Tests for achalasia
Manometry
A small plastic tube is passed through your mouth or nose into your oesophagus to measure the muscle pressure along it at different points.
Barium swallow
You drink a white liquid containing the chemical barium and X-rays are taken. The barium shows up clearly on X-ray, so the doctor can see how long it takes to move into your stomach.
Endoscopy
A thin, flexible instrument called an endoscope is passed down your throat to allow the doctor to look directly at the lining of your oesophagus, the ring of muscle and your stomach.
Treatments for achalasia
There is no cure for achalasia, but treatment can help relieve the symptoms and make swallowing easier.
Your doctors will talk to you about the risks and benefits of the different treatment options.
Medication
Medicine can help to relax the muscles in your oesophagus. This makes swallowing easier and less painful for some people, although it doesn't work for everyone.
Stretching the muscle (balloon dilation)
Under a sedative or general anaesthetic, a balloon is passed into the oesophagus using a long, thin flexible tube (endoscope).
The balloon is then inflated to help stretch the ring of muscle that lets food into your stomach.
Botox injection
Using an endoscope, Botox is injected into the ring of muscle that lets food into your stomach, causing it to relax.
It is usually effective for a few months and occasionally for a few years, but it has to be repeated.
Surgery
Under general anaesthetic, the muscle fibres in the ring of muscle that lets food into your stomach are cut. It can permanently make swallowing easier.
Follow-up treatment
Balloon dilation and surgery can both cause side effects such as acid reflux and heartburn and chest pain.
Your GP may be able to prescribe medication to help with this and your surgeon may suggest you take this medication routinely.
It's normal for chest pain to persist for a while after treatment. Drinking cold water may help relieve this.
You should see your GP if you still have problems with swallowing or are continuing to lose weight after treatment.
More useful links
The information on this page has been adapted from original content from the NHS website.
For further information see terms and conditions.