Achalasia Cardia

It is a rare disorder in which the person faces problems swallowing food or liquid easily.  It occurs when the nerves of the esophagus get damaged and paralyzed. As a result, the peristalsis of the esophagus is hindered, causing problems in swallowing of food easily.

Due to this condition, the chewed food may collect, ferment and wash back in the mouth, giving a pungent, bitter taste. Some may confuse this condition with GERD that is Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease. However, GERD is gastric reflux that comes from the stomach, whereas in achalasia disorder, the chewed food comes back  from the esophagus.

Treatment
Symptoms
  • Gurgling
  • Weight loss
  • Regurgitating food or saliva
  • Vomiting
  • Coughing at night
  • Belching
  • Heartburn
  • Pneumonia (in some cases)
  • Persistent and sharply shooting belly pain
  • Dark-colored urine and stool
  • Fever and chills
  • Yellow skin
Diagnosis

Since the symptoms are similar to many digestive disorders, the consultation alone does not work. Our gastroenterologist in Pune may also ask for the following tests such as:

  • Esophageal Manometry
  • Upper Endoscopy
  • X-ray of the upper digestive tract – Barium study
Treatment

Our surgical gastroenterologist in Pune aims to aid easy contraction and relaxation of the esophageal muscle. However, the treatment depends on factors such as age, health conditions, and severity of the disorder. The treatments include:

  • Medication
  • Peroral Endoscopic Myotomy
  • Heller Myotomy – surgery

Consult our GI surgeon to know more about these treatments.