Warning Signs Of Esophageal Achalasia

Esophageal achalasia is a rare disorder that affects only about one in every 100,000 individuals. This unusual condition occurs when the nerves and muscles in the lower esophagus are not working properly. Instead of having their esophagus smoothly move food down the throat and store it away in the stomach, individuals with esophageal achalasia have trouble swallowing, and food does not properly stay in their stomach. This is a chronic disease that gradually worsens over time. There is no cure, but certain treatments can help alleviate symptoms and delay the progression of esophageal achalasia.

If you notice any of these issues, you might need to talk to your doctor about the possibility of esophageal achalasia.

Difficulty Swallowing Food

One of the most noticeable signs of esophageal achalasia is difficulty swallowing, also known as dysphagia, which is when a patient has trouble properly swallowing solid and liquid foods, and it takes their body more time and effort to move the food or liquid from their mouth to their stomach. Difficulty swallowing can occur to anyone at any age but is more common in older adults. A patient may also experience pain while swallowing foods or beverages, drooling, being unable to swallow at all, and coughing or gagging when swallowing. Specifically, esophageal dysphagia is the sensation of food becoming stuck or hung up in the base of the throat or in the chest when a person has begun swallowing. When the lower esophageal muscle known as a sphincter does not relax properly and let food enter the stomach, it can bring the food back up into the throat, as the muscles in the wall of the esophagus may be weak as well.

Next, discover how heartburn can be a clear sign of this condition.