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Achalasia: investigation and management
Naim Slim1, James Ml Williamson1
1Department of General Surgery, The Great Western Hospital, Swindon, UK.
British Journal of Hospital Medicine (London, England : 2005)
|January 28, 2023
Summary
Achalasia is a rare esophageal motility disorder causing difficulty swallowing. Current treatments manage symptoms, as the degenerative process cannot be reversed.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Esophageal Motility Disorders
Background:
- Achalasia is an uncommon degenerative esophageal condition characterized by absent peristalsis and lower esophageal sphincter dysfunction.
- Untreated achalasia can lead to serious complications including aspiration, perforation, esophagitis, and malnutrition.
- Etiologies are diverse, encompassing immune, allergic, viral, and genetic factors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the latest diagnostic and management strategies for achalasia.
- To provide an overview of current therapeutic interventions for symptom reduction.
Main Methods:
- Diagnostic methods include esophagogastroduodenoscopy, barium swallow, and esophageal manometry.
- Management strategies involve lifestyle modification, pharmacotherapy, endoscopic procedures, and surgical interventions.
Main Results:
- Diagnosis requires a combination of endoscopic and manometric evaluations to assess severity and exclude malignancy.
- While the degenerative process is irreversible, various treatments can effectively alleviate symptoms.
Conclusions:
- Achalasia necessitates accurate diagnosis through a multimodal approach.
- Effective symptom management is achievable through a range of therapeutic options, despite the lack of a cure.
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