Overview
Achalasia is a rare motility disorder where the esophagus fails to move food properly, and the LES does not relax.
Symptoms
• Difficulty swallowing
• Regurgitation
• Chest pain
• Weight loss
• Nighttime coughing
Diagnosis
• Esophageal manometry (gold standard)
• Barium swallow
• Endoscopy
Treatment
• Heller myotomy
• POEM (endoscopic surgery)
• Pneumatic dilation
• Botox injections
• Medications (nitrates, CCBs)
Self-Management
Tracking food textures, eating pace, and swallowing difficulty helps guide long-term care.