Table Of Contents
- What is Achalasia Cardia?
- What are the symptoms of Achalasia Cardia?
- How is Achalasia Cardia diagnosed?
- How is Achalasia Cardia treated?
- Conclusion
What is Achalasia Cardia?
Achalasia Cardia is an esophageal motility disorder obstructing food and water from passing through the swallowing tube that connects the mouth and esophagus into the stomach. Furthermore, this dilates the esophagus resulting in esophageal damage.
Studies suggest every 1 in 1,00,000 individuals suffers from this condition. It is more in adults when compared to children. If not treated at the right time, this condition can cause enlargement, inflammation, or a hole in the esophagus.
In rare cases, the cause could be a genetic disorder. The suspected cause is the autoimmune neurodegeneration of the oesophageal myenteric plexus.
What are the symptoms of Achalasia Cardia?
- Trouble while swallowing
- Difficulty while inhaling
- Weight loss
- Dryness in your eyes and mouth
- Discomfort while eating
- Acid reflux
- Vomiting
- Coughing
How is Achalasia Cardia diagnosed?
Listed below are some of the tests to diagnose achalasia cardia
Esophagram – This test is done to check issues like frequent heartburn and gastric reflux. To make the stomach, upper intestine, and esophagus visible, the patient is asked to drink a chalky liquid. This liquid increases visibility and gives accurate test results.
Upper Gastrointestinal Endoscopy – An upper endoscopy helps the doctor find out what’s causing digestive issues. In this test, the esophagus and stomach are monitored by inserting a thin tube in the patient’s throat.
Esophageal Manometry – This test tracks the contractions in your esophagus when you swallow food or liquid. It helps determine the type of motility issue you are battling with.
How is Achalasia Cardia treated?
For treating achalasia, measures to stretch, soothe, and relax the lower esophagus are taken. Here are some of the effective methods of treating Achalasia Cardia.
Botox Injections
This method of treating achalasia cardia involves injecting the esophagus during endoscopy.
The purpose of giving Botox injections is to resolve the imbalance by blocking the acetylcholine release from excitatory neurons that pressurize the lower esophageal sphincter.
This helps with relaxing the lower esophagus and allows food to easily pass through.
Suitable Medication
Usually, the possible medications to treat this condition are calcium channel blockers, sildenafil, and nitrates.
Nitrates are given to soothe the muscles, calcium channel blockers protect your esophagus, and sildenafil eases the path for food to pass through.
Note that medicines reduce the severity of this condition, but they are not a permanent solution.
Pneumatic Dilation
There are two reasons for doing a Pneumatic Dilation as a method of treating Achalasia Cardia. One, to reduce pressure in the lower esophageal sphincter. Two, to improve esophageal emptying.
In this method of treatment, high and low-compliance balloon dilators are used for stretching muscles in the lower part of your esophagus.
Heller Myotomy
This is a laparoscopic procedure for treating achalasia cardia. Why is it essential? To eliminate the muscle present at the lower end of the esophageal sphincter so that food can easily go into the patient’s stomach.
Peroral Endoscopic Myotomy
POEM is performed to treat achalasia as well as spastic esophageal disorders. It is an endoscopic procedure that involves the insertion of an endoscope into your mouth to reach the esophagus.
Despite an insertion, there won’t be any cuts outside the gastrointestinal tract, but there will be a small cut in the muscle near the esophageal sphincter.
Conclusion
Achalasia cardia is a major hindrance in the esophagus, causing weak nerves and less immunity.
This condition affects the upper GI tract. Doctors suggest getting a diagnosis done ASAP to avoid further complications. Adopting treatments such as pneumatic dilation, Heller myotomy, botox injections, and medication is necessary to battle against this condition.
