अचलासिया

Also known as Lack of reflex relaxation of lower oesophageal sphincter, achalasia of cardia, achalasia of esophagus (disorder), cardiospasm, esophageal achalasia, hypertensive lower esophageal sphincter (disorder), hypertensive lower esophageal sphincter, achalasia of esophagus

esophageal disease characterized by an inability of the esophagus to move food toward the stomach resulting from the lower esophogeal sphincter not fully relaxing during swallowing

Key facts

Other names: Achalasia cardiae, cardiospasm, esophageal aperistalsis, achalasia
Pronunciation: / ˌ æ k ə ˈ l eɪ z i ə /
Specialty: Gastroenterology , thoracic surgery , general surgery , laparoscopic surgery
Symptoms: Anorexia (but willing and trying to eat), inability to swallow food, chest pain comparable to heart attack, lightheadedness, dehydration, excessive vomiting after eating (often without nausea).
Usual onset: Normally in mid-to-late life, rarely during youth
Duration: Lifelong
Types: 1st stage – 2–3 cm dilated, 2nd stage – 4–5 cm dilated, bird beak looking, 3rd stage – 5–7 cm, dilated 4th / Late-stage – 8+ cm dilated, sigmoid
Causes: Unknown
Risk factors: Inconclusive, but possibly: history of autoimmune disorders, air-hunger that accompanies anxiety, faulty eating habits, improper diet
Diagnostic method: Esophageal manometry, biopsy, X-ray, barium swallow study, endoscopy