Question 1

what is achalasia ?

Accepted Answer

Swallowing disorder: Achalasia is a disorder of the muscles of the esophagus leading to swallowing problems.  It usually has two components: 1) failure of propulsive ("peristaltic") contraction of the muscles of the body of the esophagus; and 2) failure to relax of the lower esophageal sphincter (the outlet of the esophagus into the stomach).  Both lead to obstructive symptoms and gradual dilation of the esophagus.

Question 2

has anyone heard of achalasia?

Accepted Answer

Achalasia: This is a narrowing of the esophagus which can be very painful.  Sometimes it can be treated by dilating the esophagus to reduce the pain and narrowing.  You should see a gastroenterologist for further treatment.

Question 3

any natural help with achalasia?

Accepted Answer

No: You would need to see a gastroenterologist/gi doctor and get an egd done(a video camera with a long flexible tube down the throat) to evaluate further.  Sometimes it is treated with Botox injections.

Question 4

what is difference among type 1,2 & 3  achalasia?

Accepted Answer

Manometry definition: these are definitions to characterize achalasia (a disorder of esophagus where contraction wave is absent and the lower sphincter does not relax): Type1 has minimal contractions, Type2 intermittent contractions, Type3 spastic contractions. Success rates of treatment differ as replied in prior question. I'm happy to consult as I would highly recommend followup at major specialized expert center

Question 5

what to do if i have achalasia why is my husband mad?

Accepted Answer

Communicate: Feelings often don't make sense. Achalasia is a life-threatening illness and is not a reason to be angry. There must be something else going on. If you need to write us, it's time to sit down together with someone the two of you trust -- pastor, physician, friend, whoever is right -- and  get the channels of communication open again.

Question 6

has anyone any experience with operatiion of achalasia?

Accepted Answer

Yes.: I have a patient that suffers from barrett's esophagus, achalasia and such severe gerd that he has had two operations bringing the stomach up into the chest cavity and forming a new ring lower down in the stomach. Despite this and medications, he continues to suffer episodes of regurg, vomiting, aspiration. Now he is getting Botox injections into lower esophagus to paralyze nerves. Next? Who knows.

Question 7

i have achalasia, what is classified as end stage achalasia?

Accepted Answer

See answer: In patients with late- or end-stage achalasia the esophagus may appear significantly dilated (megaesophagus), angulated, and tortuous giving it a sigmoid shape.

Question 8

do you have any suggestions for natural help with achalasia?

Accepted Answer

Achalasia can be bad: Achalasia is defined by absent peristalsis in the esophagus &amp; incomplete relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter (les). It may be a "primary" esophageal motility disorder, or "secondary" to cancers invading the les (pseudoachalasia), chagas disease from reduviid bug bites, amyloidosis, sarcoidosis, eosinophilic infiltration. This is not something you should ignore or that  fixes with herbs.

Question 9

which one out of three  types 1,2 & 3  is the most advance stage  of achalasia?

Accepted Answer

Depends type2 is les: depends on what is meant by "advanced"; natural progression still poorly understood. But success of therapy differs: Type2 easiest to treat w nearly 100% success on "pneumatic balloon dilation" (endoscopic ) and 93% on "laparoscopic Heller myotomy" (surgery) - procedures done at major expert centers. Type1 success ~80%. Type3 best w surgery: 86% success vs 40% by balloon. Happy to consult further

Question 10

its achalasia curable?

Accepted Answer

Many treatments: Sometimes certain medications can improve early achalasia, lower esophageal sphincter treated directly by forceful dilation with patient swallowing  tube with a balloon. Balloon is placed across the lower sphincter with help of x-rays, and balloon is blown up suddenly for dilation.Sphincter can be cut surgically, called esophagomyotomy.Another treatment is Botox  placement in muscle by scope.

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Doctor answers about:

Achalasia

A member asked:

What is achalasia ?

A member asked:

Has anyone heard of achalasia?

A member asked:

Any natural help with achalasia?

A member asked:

What is difference among type 1,2 & 3 achalasia?

A member asked:

What to do if i have achalasia why is my husband mad?

A member asked:

Has anyone any experience with operatiion of achalasia?

A member asked:

I have achalasia, what is classified as end stage achalasia?

A member asked:

Do you have any suggestions for natural help with achalasia?

A member asked:

Which one out of three types 1,2 & 3 is the most advance stage of achalasia?

A member asked:

Its achalasia curable?

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