Causes
There is a muscle called the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) where the esophagus meets the stomach. When not swallowing, the LES remains closed to keep food, liquid, and stomach acid from moving back into the esophageal tube. When swallowing, nerve signals tell muscles to contract to push food down the esophagus (an action called peristalsis) and allow the LES to open.
In people with achalasia, the nerve cells in the lower esophageal tube and the LES do not work correctly. This results in:
- Absent peristaltic (muscular) activity
- Failure of the LES to open completely
While achalasia is associated with the loss of nerve cells in the esophagus, the cause of this process is unknown.
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Copyright © 2012 EBSCO Publishing All rights reserved.
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