The information on this website is not intended for diagnosis or treatment. Please consult your physician for health concerns.

+90 850 321 50 00

Achalasia

A rare swallowing disorder in which the sphincter muscle at the entry of the stomach does not relax.

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board
Last updated:

This content has been compiled by the Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board and is periodically reviewed by a specialist physician.

References (5)

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You can book an appointment at our Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları) department. Book Appointment →

What is Achalasia?

Achalasia is a rare esophageal motor disorder characterized by inadequate relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) during swallowing and loss of esophageal peristalsis. The incidence is 1-2 per 100,000; it can be seen at any age but is more frequently diagnosed between 25-60 years.

In the pathophysiology, damage to the inhibitory nerve cells (NO-ergic neurons) in the esophageal myenteric plexus by autoimmune or degenerative processes plays a role. This leads to inability of the esophageal muscle to contract in a coordinated manner and inability of food and liquids to pass into the stomach.

High-resolution esophageal manometry (HRM) is the gold standard for diagnosis. The characteristic 'bird beak' appearance is observed in barium esophagography. Endoscopy is performed to rule out malignancy.

Symptoms

Difficulty swallowing solid and liquid foods (dysphagia)
Return of unchewed food (regurgitation)
Mid-chest pressure or pain
Cough during or after eating (aspiration)
Weight loss and malnutrition
Aspiration or coughing fits during night sleep

Risk Factors

Autoimmune background or family history
Chagas disease (Trypanosoma cruzi infection in tropical regions)
History of esophageal surgery or trauma
No specific risk group is defined; can develop at any age

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

  • If there is difficulty swallowing both solid and liquid foods
  • If there is unintended weight loss
  • If aspiration pneumonia has been experienced
  • If there is chest pain or swallowing problem unresponsive to anti-reflux therapy

Treatment Methods

01
Pneumatic balloon dilation: mechanically widens the LES, repeatable
02
Laparoscopic Heller myotomy: surgical cutting of LES muscle (high long-term efficacy)
03
Per-oral endoscopic myotomy (POEM): minimally invasive endoscopic method
04
Botulinum toxin injection: provides temporary relief, may need repetition
05
Calcium channel blockers or nitrates: symptomatic support in mild cases
06
Nutritional support and aspiration precautions

Which Department to Visit?

You can visit our Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları) department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

Learn About Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları) Department

Let us help you

You can make an appointment with our specialists or contact us for your concerns.

Book AppointmentContact Us

Related Health Topics

Other articles from the same department you may want to explore.

Anaemia

Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları)

Anaemia is a low haemoglobin level that reduces oxygen delivery, causing fatigue, pallor, and shortness of breath. It is not a disease itself but a sign of many underlying conditions. Most cases are correctable with appropriate diagnosis and treatment.

Iron Deficiency Anaemia

Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları)

Iron deficiency anaemia develops when dietary intake, absorption, or losses create an iron shortfall, most often affecting women and children. Identifying the underlying cause is the core of management, alongside iron replacement.

Vitamin B12 Deficiency

Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları)

Vitamin B12 deficiency can cause megaloblastic anaemia, neurological symptoms, and cognitive impairment. Early treatment with intramuscular or oral B12 largely prevents irreversible complications.

Hypertension (High Blood Pressure) Management

Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları)

Hypertension is often called the silent killer because it progresses symptom-free for years and can damage the heart, brain, kidneys, and eyes. Regular monitoring, lifestyle change, and evidence-based drug therapy dramatically reduce cardiovascular risk.

Chronic Kidney Disease

Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları)

Chronic kidney disease is one of the most common complications of chronic conditions such as diabetes and hypertension, and can be silent in its early stages.

Hepatitis B (HBV)

Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları)

Hepatitis B is a DNA virus infection causing acute and chronic hepatitis with risk of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma; diagnosis integrates HBsAg, HBeAg, anti-HBc, and HBV DNA with management based on disease phase using nucleos(t)ide analogues (entecavir, tenofovir) and universal infant vaccination.

Hepatitis C (HCV)

Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları)

Hepatitis C is an RNA virus causing chronic hepatitis that may progress to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma; modern direct-acting antiviral (DAA) pangenotypic regimens (sofosbuvir/velpatasvir, glecaprevir/pibrentasvir) achieve sustained virologic response over 95% in 8–12 weeks with universal adult screening and cure for nearly all patients.

Fatty Liver Disease

Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları)

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is closely related to obesity and metabolic syndrome and is largely reversible with early treatment.

Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.