Question 1

my mother has developed esophagus muscle dysfunction. what is it exactly?

Accepted Answer

Swallowing trouble: The muscles that wrap around the esophagus, as well as the sphincters (both upper & lower) coordinate their contractions to produce peristalsis, thereby propelling food from the back of your mouth to the stomach, & keeping that food from backing up again. There are a lot of diseases that affect the esophagus muscles--some minor (presbyesophagus) & major (like achalasia, parkinson's, scleroderma).

Question 2

what does having esophagus muscle dysfunction mean?

Accepted Answer

Swallow'g difficult: The esophagus is a muscular tube whose function it is to move food into the stomach. When the muscle does not function properly swallowing can be difficult and food may accidentally find it's way into the windpipe. This causes reflexive coughing to get the food or fluid back into the esophagus.  If the food doesn't get cleared from the windpipe it can cause aspiration pneumonia.

Question 3

can you die from esophageal achalasia?

Accepted Answer

If left untreated: A person could die from untreated achalasia due to starvation, aspiration pneumonia or chocking on the contents accumulated in the esophagus.

Question 4

can i die from esophageal achalasia if i ignore it?

Accepted Answer

Maybe: Untreated achalasia can result in accumulation of fluid in the esophagus that can silently enter the lungs while you sleep at night.  Chronic silent aspiration can cause permanent damage to the lungs, asthma, recurrent pneumonia. Any of these conditions can potentially shorten your life if not treated properly. A large aspiration event can be deadly.

Question 5

what is the treatment for esophageal achalasia?

Accepted Answer

Medical/surgical: Medical treatment is with calcium channel blockers. Endoscopic treatment is with balloon dilation of the lower esophageal sphincter, but typically has to be repeated several times. Surgical treatment is a heller myotomy. Your gastroenterologist can help you decide which treatment is best for you.

Question 6

do you have to have difficulty swallowing if you have esophageal achalasia? what are all the symptoms?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Achalasia is a when the lower esophageal sphincter muscle incompletely relaxes and doesn't allow food or fluid to pass easily.  Achalasia is characterized by difficulty swallowing, regurgitation, and sometimes chest pain.  It is diagnosed with esophageal manometry or pressure study or barium swallow test.  Treated with dilation, Botox injection or a heller myotomy "cutting of the muscle.".

Question 7

what do you recommend for esophageal achalasia?

Accepted Answer

Hard question: Although there is no definite cure, several therapies have been shown to be effective - dilation of the esophagus, certain medications such as nitroglycerine, Nifedipine may be helpful and finally if all fails, especially esophageal dilations, surgery.

Question 8

what is the definition or description of: esophageal achalasia?

Accepted Answer

Motility Disorder: Achalasia is an esophageal motility disorder. It is diagnosed by manometry, showing a lack of relaxation of the distal esophagus and decreased peristalsis. Primary achalasia (most common) is due to loss of inhibitory neurons in the distal esophagus. Secondary achalasia is caused by chagas disease. "pseudo-achalasia" is seen with cancers. Surgical treatment remains the gold standard.

Question 9

what kind of pills or treatment can somebody get for esophageal achalasia?

Accepted Answer

Possibly Reglan (metoclopramide): You can speak to your doctor about trying Reglan (metoclopramide) or Metoclopramide but cautiously and in small amounts since you have to worry about side effects. This a motility agent that might help and also there could be a stricture in esophagus that might need to be dilated per upper endoscopy perhaps as well.

Question 10

can vomiting pull a muscle in your esophagus?

Accepted Answer

Pulled muscle: If you retching badly you may pull a muscle.

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My mother has developed esophagus muscle dysfunction What is it exactly

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My mother has developed esophagus muscle dysfunction. what is it exactly?

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What does having esophagus muscle dysfunction mean?

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Can you die from esophageal achalasia?

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Can i die from esophageal achalasia if i ignore it?

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What is the treatment for esophageal achalasia?

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Do you have to have difficulty swallowing if you have esophageal achalasia? what are all the symptoms?

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What do you recommend for esophageal achalasia?

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What is the definition or description of: esophageal achalasia?

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What kind of pills or treatment can somebody get for esophageal achalasia?

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Can vomiting pull a muscle in your esophagus?

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