The Causes and Symptoms of Achalasia

Achalasia is a rare esophageal disorder that affects the body’s ability to move food from the throat into the stomach, making swallowing difficult. This condition involves the nerve cells in the esophagus, primarily impacting the smooth muscle layer and the lower esophageal sphincter (LES).

Symptoms of Achalasia

The most common symptom of achalasia is difficulty in swallowing (dysphagia), which both liquids and solids can experience. Patients often describe it as a sensation of food being stuck in the chest. Consult stomach specialist doctor in Agrafor treatment. Other notable symptoms include:

  • Regurgitation of undigested food or saliva.
  • Chest pain that can vary in intensity, often mistaken for heart pain.
  • Coughing, especially at night, as a result of aspiration of food into the lungs.

Causes of Achalasia

Though the specific cause of achalasia remains unknown, it is a pathologic process that results from the degeneration of nerve cells of the esophagus. This degradation prevents the LES from opening properly and therefore delays the ingress of food into the stomach.Potential factors leading to the development of achalasia include:

  • Autoimmune responses where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks the esophageal nerves.
  • Genetic predispositions that may contribute to the disorder.
  • Possible infection or viral factors that could initiate the autoimmune response.

Unfortunately, there's no cure for achalasia. However, treatment options like pneumatic dilation, surgical myotomy, and medications can help manage symptoms and improve the quality of life. Early diagnosis is crucial, so if you experience any persistent symptoms of swallowing difficulties, consult the best stomach specialist doctor in agra to explore your options. Understanding achalasia is the first step towards managing this challenging condition effectively.

Visit Safe Surgery Center and schedule a consultation with Dr. Karan R Rawat, your expert in safe and effective surgical care. Trust your health with a professional dedicated to achieving the best outcomes for his patients.