Achalasia

Alternative Names

Treatment

The approach to treatment is to reduce the pressure at the lower esophageal sphincter. Therapy may involve:

• Injection with botulinum toxin (Botox). This may help relax the sphincter muscles, but any benefit wears off within a matter of weeks or months.
• Medications such as long-acting nitrates or calcium channel blockers, which can be used to lower the pressure at the lower esophagus sphincter.
• Surgery (called an esophagomyotomy), which may be needed to decrease the pressure in the lower sphincter.

Your doctor can help you decide which treatment is best for your situation.

Outlook (Prognosis)

The outcomes of surgery and non-surgical treatments are similar. Sometimes more than one treatment is necessary.

Possible Complications

• Breathing food contents into the lungs, which can cause pneumonia
• Regurgitation of acid or food from the stomach into the esophagus (reflux)
• Tearing (perforation) of the esophagus

When to Contact a Medical Professional

Call your health care provider if you have difficulty swallowing or painful swallowing, or if your symptoms continue despite treatment for achalasia.

References