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Description of disease:

Achalasia is the disease that occurs in people between 30 and 60. It is a result of the lack of Auerbach cells in the lower part of esophagus. As a consequence, the patient's inferior sphincter of the esophagus does not relax during eating as it should. At first, achalasia causes difficulties with eating but if it progresses drink swallowing becomes problematic too.

Patients with achalasia usually feel very well, they don't have any problems with nutrition. That enables differentiation of achalsia from esophagus carcinoma.


There are four types of achalasia:
- no signs of the illness on the x-ray image
- esophagus width is smaller than 4cm
- esophagus width is between 4 to 6 cm
- esophagus is wide along its whole length

Achalasia treatment includes:
- surgical intervention (called the Heller's operation) which involves cutting out part of the esophagus intends to decrease the pressure in the lower sphincter.
- diet consisting of fragmented and pulpy foods
- avoiding stressful situations
- sleeping in a sitting position, that prevents choking

Symptoms:


chest tightness
choking
cough
dysphagia
esophagus, widened
heartburn



Research:


Contrast X-ray fluoroscopy
Esophagogastroduodenoscopy
Manometry



Doctors :


Gastroenterologist





Added by:
Added on: 0000-00-00 00:00:00 , Updated: 2008-04-08 13:38:24
Bibliography: Visalli, G. Guide to Medical Cures and Treatment, 1996

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