Symptoms of Achalasia
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Achalasia is a disorder of the esophagus characterized by difficulty with swallowing liquids and solids that occurs because of degeneration of the ganglionic cells of the myenteric plexus. Other symptoms of achalasia may include chest pain associated with eating.

The diagnosis of achalasia can be made with imaging studies such as a chest x-ray or barium swallow. Measurement of the esophageal sphincter pressures with manometry and/or biopsy may be needed to confirm the diagnosis


The cause of achalasia is unknown. In South America, achalasia has been associated with infection with Trypanasoma cruzi. It has also been associated with Addison’s disease.


Sometimes achalasia can be treated with calcium channel blockers or nitrates. Often patients have to have the lower esophageal sphincter dilated by a balloon. Sometimes surgery is needed for treatment.

 
 
To view information about symptoms of achalasia go to our Achalasia questions and answers page.
To view specific information about topics related to achalasia symptoms go to our Topics page.
To view laboratory abnormalities associated with symptoms of achalasia go to our Labs page.
To view medication information associated with the treatment of achalasia symptoms go to our Pharmacology page.
To search Flash-Med's questions and answers for your key words go to our Q&A Search Page.
To view the and differential diagnosis of achalasia symptoms go to our Medicine Methods page.

Symptoms of achalasia often do not lead directly to the underlying diagnosis and many symptoms can be misleading. Please review all concerns and information found on this website with your health care provider.