Achalasia​

Achalasia is a disorder that affects your oesophagus (the tube which transports food from your mouth to your stomach). 

The LOS (Lower Oesophageal Sphincter) is a muscular ring located between where your lower oesophagus and stomach meet, which opens to enable food to pass into your stomach. The achalasia disorder causes damage to the nerves of your oesophagus or to your LOS. This impacts the LOS and causes it to not relax (open) as normal while swallowing, impacting the ability of your oesophagus to carry food to your stomach. Additionally, the disorder causes the usual muscle activity of your oesophagus (peristalsis) to decrease (or stop). This activity normally coordinates the muscle activity in the body of your oesophagus to move food from your throat to your stomach.

Although achalasia is rare, it can occur at any age. However, it is most common amongst middle-age to older adults. This disorder may be an inherited disorder in some individuals, or due to an autoimmune condition which causes the degeneration of nerves in your oesophagus (e.g. cancer or Chagas’ disease).

Although there are non-surgical options to treat achalasia, in some instances surgery may be the best option. The GI and Surgery Service Line at The Aga Khan University Hospital can provide you with surgical options to treat achalasia.

When to seek expert advise

You sh​​ould visit your doctor at the GI and Surgery Service Line at The Aga Khan University Hospital if you notice any of the symptoms of achalasia, such as difficulty with swallowing (foods and liquids) or pain in your chest. Early treatment can prevent oesophageal dilation to worsening to a point where there are serious health complications.

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