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Science

Published on Nov 26, 2015

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PRESENTATION OUTLINE

Achalasia

A DIGESTIVE DISORDER

WHAT IS ACHALASIA

  • A rare disease
  • lower esophageal sphincter does not relax properly
  • is a disorder of the esophagus
  • affects the ability of the esophagus to move food into the stomach.
  • Also known as Esophageal achalasia

SYMPTOMS OF ACHALASIA

  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Backflow (regurgitation) of food
  • Chest pain
  • Coughing
  • Difficulty swallowing liquids and solids

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  • Heartburn
  • Unintentional weight loss

TREATMENT

The goal of treatment is to reduce the pressure at the lower esophageal sphincter

TREATMENT

  • Injection with botulinum toxin (Botox)
  • Surgery (called an esophagomyotomy)
  • Widening (dilation) of the esophagus
  • Medications

POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS

  • Backflow (regurgitation) of acid or food from the stomach into the esophagus
  • Breathing food contents into the lungs (aspiration), which can cause pneumonia
  • Tearing (perforation) of the esophagus

WHEN TO CONTACT A MEDICAL PROFESSINAL

  • You have trouble swallowing or painful swallowing
  • Your symptoms continue, even with treatment for achalasia

PREVENTION

  • Many of the causes of achalasia cannot be prevented
  • But treatment may help to prevent complications

SOURCES