Achalasia Cardia, Symptoms and Treatment

Achalasia Cardia, Symptoms and Treatment

HELLO FRIENDS,

Today, we will discuss a condition affecting the esophagus known as achalasia cardia.

Achalasia cardia affects the esophagus, which is the muscular tube that connects the throat to the stomach.

The lower esophageal sphincter (LES) is the sphincter situated between the food pipe and the stomach.

Achalasia is a condition characterized by the improper relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), a muscular ring located between the esophagus and the stomach. This failure to relax adequately during swallowing causes challenges in the smooth passage of food and liquids into the stomach.

What are the symptoms of achalasia cardia?

The main symptoms for achalasia cardia are difficulty in eating and drinking.

Some patients may experience pain in their chest.

Some people may experience the release of fluids from the mouth and nose while sleeping,

And some people lose weight due to not eating food.

Let’s discuss how to diagnose achalasia cardia.

The first step in evaluating a patient with achalasia cardia is to perform an endoscopy to identify and rule out any issues in the esophagus, such as tumour or strictures.

In patients with achalasia cardia, it is common to observe the retention of food and fluids in the esophagus during endoscopy.

To confirm this condition, two tests are performed: Barium Swallow and manometry.

During a barium swallow procedure, a patient ingests a liquid containing barium, which is detectable on X-rays. In cases of achalasia, a distinctive observation is the presence of a dilated esophagus coupled with a constricted lower esophageal sphincter, resulting in a characteristic “bird’s beak” appearance.

Esophageal manometry is a diagnostic procedure that entails the insertion of a slender, flexible tube through either the nose or mouth, reaching down into the esophagus and stomach. Equipped with pressure sensors, this tube enables the measurement of muscle contractions during swallowing. The gathered data aids in evaluating esophageal motility and diagnosing achalasia.

Let’s explore the treatment options for achalasia cardia.

There are three treatments for achalasia cardia: dilation (balloon or pneumatic dilatation), POEM (Peroral Endoscopic Myotomy), and surgical myotomy.

In balloon dilation treatment, the effectiveness ranges from 60% to 70%; however, it may be necessary to repeat the procedure 3-4 times in certain cases. Additionally, there is a 3-4% risk of balloon rupture during the treatment.

POEM (Peroral Endoscopic Myotomy) and Heller surgery are both effective treatments for achalasia cardia. Following these procedures, symptoms of achalasia cardia are alleviated in approximately 90% of patients.

However, some patients may experience chest burning after undergoing these treatments.

To alleviate this symptom, they may need to take medications that reduce acid.

In the next video, we will delve into the topic of poem treatment.

 Thank you