Achalasia

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Search results last updated: 5/6/2009

achalasia - Definition: (Source: MedicineNet)

Achalasia : A disease of the esophagus caused by the abnormal function of nerves and muscles of the esophagus that makes swallowing difficult. There may sometimes be chest pain. Regurgitation of undigested food can occur, as can coughing or breathing problems due to entry of food into the lungs. The underlying problems are weakness of the lower portion of the esophagus and failure of the lower esophageal sphincter to open and allow passage of food. Achalasia may occur at any age but is predominantly a disease of young adults. Diagnosis is made by an X-ray, endoscopy, or esophageal manometry (to measure the pressure in the esophagus). Treatment includes medication, dilation (stretching) to widen the lower part of the esophagus, and surgery to open the lower esophagus. A fairly recent approach involves injecting medicines into the lower esophagus to relax the sphincter. ...
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achalasia - Images (Source: MedLinePlus)

Digestive system

Upper gastrointestinal system

Achalasia - series

Frequently Asked Questions for achalasia (Source: MedicineNet)

What is achalasia? How does the normal esophagus function? How is esophageal function abnormal in achalasia? What causes achalasia? What are the symptoms of achalasia? What are the complications of achalasia? How is achalasia diagnosed? How is achalasia treated? Achalasia At A Glance

Causes of achalasia (Source: MedLinePlus)

The main problem in achalasia is a failure of the a muscular ring where the esophagus and stomach come together (lower esophageal sphincter) to relax during swallowing. Another part of the disorder is a lack of nerve stimulation to the muscles of the esophagus. Causes include: Cancers; Damage to the nerves of the esophagus; Infection with a parasite; Inherited factors. As a result, the wave-like contractions of smooth muscles that normally force food through the esophagus and other parts of the digestive tract do not work as well. (These contractions are called peristalsis .) Achalasia is a rare disorder. It may occur at any age, but is most common in middle-aged or older adults. ...
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achalasia

Symptoms of achalasia (Source: MedLinePlus)

Backflow (regurgitation) of food; Chest pain , which may increase after eating or may radiate to the back, neck, and arms; Cough; Difficulty swallowing liquids and solids; Heartburn ; Unintentional weight loss. ...
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achalasia

Further Reading on achalasia

Difficulty Swallowing (Dysphagia) - Overview ( WebMD ) What is difficulty swallowing ( dysphagia )? Difficulty swallowing is also called dysphagia . It is usually a sign of a problem with ...Certain problems with your nervous system, such as achalasia , Esophageal Spasm - Topic Overview ( WebMD ) What is esophageal spasm ? Esophageal spasms are irregular , uncoordinated , and sometimes powerful contractions of the esophagus , the ...such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or achalasia , a... Beauty Today -- Altered Appearances ( WebMD ) Tans, tattoos, cosmetics… modern society has many ways to tweak appearance. Get an overview ...treatment of blepharospasm, spasmodic torticollis, axillary hyperhidrosis, and achalasia .[30] Potential...

	achalasia: Health Search Results from the Invisible Web

achalasia: Health Search Results from the Invisible Web