Symptoms
Symptoms of achalasia can occur between the ages of 25 and 60. Symptoms rarely develop in children. Symptoms tend to be mild at first, and then grow worse over months or years. The main symptom is difficulty swallowing solids and, as the disorder progresses, liquids. As many as 70% to 97% of patients with achalasia have difficulty swallowing both solids and liquids.
Other symptoms may include:
- Discomfort or pain in the chest (under the breastbone, especially after meals)
- Coughing, especially when lying down
- Heartburn
- Weight loss (as the disorder progresses)
- Vomiting or regurgitating food or liquids—In some people, this occurs during sleep. This can result in inhalation of food particles or liquid, which can lead to aspiration pneumonia and other respiratory infections.
Heartburn / Reflux Disease
Diagnosis
The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history and perform a physical exam. Tests may include:
- Manometry—A tube is inserted down the throat to test the pressure in the esophagus and the stomach when swallowing
- Esophagram—X-rays are taken of the esophagus while you swallow barium (a thick liquid that lights up on x-rays).
- Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy (esophagoscopy)—The esophagus is viewed directly through a fiberoptic tube to look for other causes of the symptoms.
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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