Achalasia disorder

overview 

Achalasia is a rare disorder that results in difficulty for food and liquids to go through smoothly to the esophagus (the tube that connects your mouth and stomach). Achalasia may happen when there is damage to the nerves in the esophagus. Once there is damage done, it paralyzes the esophagus making it dilated with time and it becomes harder for it to push food down to the stomach.

that can result in food staying in the esophagus and sometimes washing the food back up towards the mouth which can cause a bitter taste.

Some may confuse this with acid reflux. The main difference between these two conditions is that in achalasia the food comes up from the esophagus, and for acid reflux, the food comes up from the stomach. 

 What’s the cure? 

Unfortunately, once you have achalasia there’s no cure. once the paralysis happens the muscle won’t work properly again. In most cases, symptoms can be taken under control with surgery, endoscopy, or invasive therapy. 

symptoms

Achalasia happens at any age but is common among the ages of 20 to 60. Dysphagia of both liquids and solids are the major symptoms.  33% of patients may suffer from nocturnal regurgitation of undigested food that can cause a heavy cough. chest pain is less common but can happen when swallowing or out of the blue. Weight loss can occur and worsen with time, especially for older patients.  

Below is a list of symptoms that appear mildly and worsen with time: 

• Vomiting
• loss of weight
• Heartburn
• The feeling that food is stuck in your throat
• on and off chest pain
• midnight coughing 

conclusion 

Though there may not be a cure there are still ways to manage this condition. and better your life overall. seek your doc for the right treatment for you.