$Unique_ID{BRK01320}
$Pretitle{Digestive System, Ill Defined Symptoms and Rare Diseases}
$Title{What is Achalasia?}
$Subject{esophagus swallowing difficulty achalasia}
$Volume{I-10, N-10}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991   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 "beak-like" 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.
ÿ
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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.
