Achalasia is a rare health condition that affects the esophagus, which is the tube connecting the throat and stomach. The condition can cause difficulty in swallowing along with various other symptoms. The effects of this health condition vary depending on its severity. Moreover, it is essential to comprehend the various types of achalasia and its symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and available treatments to make an informed decision about managing the condition.

About achalasia
Achalasia is a rare condition that affects the muscles of the esophagus. It prevents the normal relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter, which is the muscle that separates the esophagus from the abdomen. This can inhibit one’s ability to absorb nutrients from food and cause chronic pain and discomfort.

Types of achalasia
Achalasia is an esophageal disorder characterized by abnormal muscle contractions and impaired swallowing ability. These are the three main types:

• Type-1 achalasia
  This type is characterized by a lack of contractions of the lower esophageal sphincter muscle and decreased peristalsis in the lower esophagus. This can cause chest pain and difficulty swallowing both liquids and solids.
• Type-2 achalasia
  This type involves partial relaxation at the sphincter, which results in some foods being able to pass through, but not all foods. Symptoms include recurrent vomiting after meals and chest pain that may worsen after eating certain types of food, such as meat or bread.
• Type-3 achalasia
  It is caused by excessive contraction at the sphincter, resulting in complete blockage, preventing any passage into one’s stomach, regardless of whether it is liquid or solid. This type causes malnutrition because no nutrients are getting absorbed from what one eats.

Symptoms of achalasia
The condition can cause a variety of symptoms that can disrupt everyday life. Some of these may include:

• Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)
• A feeling that food gets stuck in the throat or chest
• Regurgitation of undigested food
• Chest pain
• Coughing or choking when eating
• Heartburn or indigestion
• Feeling full after eating only a little food

Causes of achalasia
Although the cause of this disorder is unknown, some theories point to certain other health conditions as contributing factors. Understanding potential causes can help people recognize symptoms early and seek medical advice for treatment options. The leading causes of the condition include:

• A failure of the muscles and nerves in the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) to relax normally, which prevents foods and liquids from entering the stomach.
• Abnormal nerve pathways in the chest prevent the LES from relaxing normally.
• An autoimmune condition where the body mistakenly attacks its cells.
• Genetics, where the condition can be inherited from parents.

Diagnosis of achalasia
In order to diagnose the condition, the doctor may perform a series of tests, such as:

• Endoscopy to view the esophagus and stomach.
• Manometry to measure the pressure of one’s esophageal sphincter.
• Barium swallow X-ray to check for narrowing or blockage of the esophagus.
• CT scan or MRI to look for abnormalities in one’s esophagus.
• Esophageal pH monitoring to measure acid levels in the esophagus.

Treatment options
The condition can be debilitating and lead to serious health complications if left untreated. Fortunately, there are several treatment options available to help manage and relieve its symptoms.

• Supplements
  Doctors may prescribe a few supplements that can be used to reduce the pressure in the lower esophageal sphincter, helping to facilitate food passage down the esophagus.
• Pneumatic dilation
  This procedure involves using a balloon to open the narrowed lower esophageal sphincter. This helps to increase the size of the sphincter and improve swallowing.
• Surgery
  Surgery can be an option for those who have not responded to other treatments or who have severe cases of the condition. Several types of surgery can be performed depending on the individual’s needs. These include laparoscopic myotomy, Heller myotomy, and esophagectomy.

By discussing different treatment options with the doctor, one can determine the best course of action for their specific case. With the right treatment plan, one can gain relief from the symptoms and lead a healthy life.