Chalasia Vs Achalasia Diet

Achalasia: Medline. Plus Medical Encyclopedia.

There is a muscular ring at the point where the esophagus and stomach meet. It is called the lower esophageal sphincter (LES).

Normally, this muscle relaxes when you swallow to allow food to pass into the stomach. In people with achalasia, it does not relax as well. In addition, the normal muscle activity of the esophagus (peristalsis) is reduced.

This problem is caused by damage to the nerves of the esophagus. Other problems can cause similar symptoms, such as cancer of the esophagus or upper stomach, and a parasite infection that causes Chagas disease. Achalasia is rare. It may occur at any age, but is most common in middle- aged or older adults.

In some people, the problem may be inherited.

The diagnosis of achalasia usually is made by an X-ray study called a video-esophagram in which video X-rays of the esophagus are taken after barium is swallowed. Achalasia is a relatively rare disorder of the esophagus that makes it hard for foods and liquids to pass into the stomach. The esophagus is the hollow, muscular tube. Read our article and learn more on MedlinePlus: Achalasia.

POEM is a specialized endoscopic procedure. Gastroenterologists at Johns Hopkins perform POEM to treat motility disorders of the esophagus, such as achalasia and. Learn about diagnosis and treatment options for achalasia at Mayo Clinic. Achalasia happens when the nerves and muscles of the esophagus do not work properly, causing swallowing difficulties, regurgitation, and chest pain.