Swallowing Made Easy with Advanced Achalasia Treatment

Learn about achalasia, its symptoms, and available treatment options with Dr. Vikas Singla. Explore treatment approaches to help manage swallowing difficulties.

What is Achalasia Cardia?

Achalasia cardia is a rare disorder where the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) fails to relax, making it difficult for food and liquid to pass into the stomach.

Over time, the esophagus can become dilated and lose its ability to push food down, leading to symptoms like dysphagia, chest pain, and regurgitation. Unlike GERD, in achalasia cardia, regurgitated food comes from the esophagus, not the stomach.

  • Achalasia cardia kya hota hai?: It is a condition where the esophagus cannot move food efficiently due to nerve damage.
  • Achalasia cardia etiology: Often linked to nerve loss, possibly from autoimmune or viral causes.
  • Achalasia cardia physiology and pathology: The LES remains tight, and the esophagus loses muscle tone.
  • Common age group: Achalasia cardia is usually diagnosed between ages 25-60 but it can occur at any age.

Meet Dr. Vikas Singla

Dr. Vikas Singla is Vice Chairman & Head of Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Endoscopy at Max Hospital, Saket, New Delhi. He is known for his patient-centered care and skill in advanced procedures for achalasia cardia such as POEM, Heller myotomy, and endoscopic diagnosis.

  • MBBS, MD (AIIMS), DM (Gastroenterology, AIIMS)
  • Specializes in achalasia cardia management, esophageal manometry, and therapeutic endoscopy
  • Renowned for his approachable nature and clear communication
Dr Vikas Singla Alcoholic Liver Disease Specialist Delhi

Achalasia Cardia Signs and Symptoms

  • Dysphagia: It is a condition of difficulty in swallowing food or drinking water.

     

  • Regurgitation of undigested food or saliva.

     

  • Odynophagia: In this condition the sufferer feels pain in the throat while swallowing solids or liquids.

     

  • Chest pain: Pain in the central part of the
    chest after meals.

     

  • Unintentional Weight Loss: Prolonged disease can lead to weight loss and nutritional deficiency. 

How Achalasia Cardia is Diagnosed

  • Achalasia cardia manometry: it measures esophageal muscle contractions and LES relaxation; the gold standard for diagnosis.
  • Achalasia cardia barium swallow / X-ray: It reveals a classic ‘bird’s beak’ appearance and esophageal dilation.
  • Achalasia cardia endoscopy: It helps to check for blockages, rules out cancer, and may show retained food or liquid.

  • Achalasia cardia CT: It is used to rule out secondary causes or complications.
  • Other tests: Achalasia cardia investigation may include biopsy if needed. 

Types of Achalasia Cardia 

Type I

(Classic):  Minimal esophageal
movement
 

Type II

Increased pressure,
panesophageal pressurization 

Type III

(Spastic): Severe, with premature
contractions and chest pain
 

Achalasia cardia anatomy: The lower esophageal sphincter is the main area affected, with the rest of the esophagus gradually losing function

Treatment Options
Achalasia Cardia Management and Procedures

Non-Surgical Options

  • Medications: Muscle relaxants for temporary relief (achalasia cardia medical treatment)

  • Botox injections: Temporarily relax the LES

  • Achalasia cardia balloon dilatation: Inflates a balloon to stretch the sphincter

Surgical and Advanced Endoscopic Options

  • POEM (Per-oral Endoscopic Myotomy): POEM is the new and highly effective treatment for achalasia cardia. POEM is an endoscopic treatment, during which very careful cutting of tight muscle fibres at the GE junction is performed. For POEM procedure, the patient is admitted for 48 hours. After POEM procedure, X-ray is performed after 24 hours, and the liquid diet can be started within 1-2 days. 
  • Heller myotomy: Laparoscopic procedure to cut the LES muscle (achalasia cardia surgery) 

Watch Achalasia Cardia Videos on YouTube Learn from Dr. Vikas Singla

  • Achalasia cardia: Symptoms, causes, diagnosis, treatment in Hindi 
  • Achalasia Cardia: Swallowing problem, esophageal manometry, POEM, treatment 

Expert Care, Trusted Results

Over 21 years treating achalasia cardia and other esophageal disorders 

Advanced achalasia cardia endoscopy and POEM procedures 

High success rates and patient satisfaction 

Clear communication and compassionate care 

3 Questions you should ask yourself?

  1. Is difficulty in swallowing just acidity, or could it be achalasia cardia?
  2. Will medications or balloon dilation truly resolve your symptoms, or is POEM the answer? 
  3. Are you curious about the long-term safety and results of achalasia cardia surgery from real patients?

Take the First Step Towards Relief from Achalasia Cardia. 

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