Understanding Achalasia As Explained by the Gastroenterologist

The oesophagus is a tube that connects the throat to the stomach and is responsible for transporting food. Achalasia is an unusual swallowing condition that makes it difficult to get food and liquids down the oesophagus and into the stomach. An oesophagus in good health will contract and direct food into the stomach. However, if the oesophagus’ nerves are weakened, the oesophagus will become dilated, which means it can no longer contract to force food down. If you or someone you care for suffers from achalasia, a gastroenterologist in Kolkata will help you control the symptoms.

What are the signs and symptoms?

The most common symptoms of achalasia are:

• Swallowing problems
• Food regurgitation
• Suffocation (often during regurgitation)
• Discomfort in the chest, particularly after eating
• Indigestion

If you or someone you love is having trouble swallowing or has any achalasia symptoms, you should see a gastroenterologist in Kolkata near you.

How is the treatment for achalasia done?

Treatment for achalasia is necessary to keep the condition from worsening. As you would expect, being unable to eat or drink properly may have a negative impact on a person’s health and dietary requirements, as well as increase the risk of lung infections like aspiration pneumonia (more common in seniors). The following are some common treatment options:

• Surgery: The most common treatment for achalasia is traditional surgery, also known as Heller myotomy, which includes cutting the muscles of the valves that connect the stomach and oesophagus. According to the top gastroenterologist in Kolkata, some patients can benefit from laparoscopic surgery, which is a less invasive procedure.
• Balloon dilation: For patients who are unable to undergo surgery, another option for treating achalasia is balloon dilation, which is a non-surgical procedure that involves inserting a balloon into the oesophagus and inflating it to expand the cavity, allowing food to pass more easily from the oesophagus into the stomach.
• Botox: It can help to relieve muscle spasms and increase the flow of food through the oesophagus. Patients who are not candidates for surgery or dilation can benefit from Botox injections.

Since people with achalasia have a slightly higher chance of esophageal cancer, you can discuss routine cancer screenings with the best gastroenterology doctor in Kolkata here at Medithics Clinic. If you or a loved one is having trouble swallowing, you can see a gastroenterologist who can run the necessary tests to determine if an esophageal disorder is to blame.