Understanding Achalasia: Causes, Risk Factors, and Symptoms

Page 1

Understanding Achalasia: Causes, Risk Factors, and Symptoms Achalasia is a condition that affects your oesophagus, the food pipe that carries food from throat to stomach. The oesophagus has a muscular ring called the lower oesophageal sphincter (LOS) that opens up when a person swallows food to pass it from the throat to the stomach. In achalasia, the LOS fails to open up to swallow food. If you think you or someone you know is affected by achalasia, you should consult a good achalasia doctor in Delhi or the region you stay in at the earliest. Achalasia can be caused due to many reasons.

Causes of Achalasia It can be difficult to diagnose the precise cause of achalasia. In many cases, it can be a hereditary disorder. It can also be the result of an autoimmune disease. An autoimmune disease is when the immune system of your body mistakes healthy cells of your body to be antigens and makes antibodies to attack them. This damages the cells of your body. In this case, it can attack the oesophagus and eventually become achalasia.

Risk Factors of Achalasia


Achalasia is a disorder that does not have a comprehensive list of risk factors. People in their middle age (and older) are more likely to be affected by this disorder than younger people. This does not mean that young people are not at risk of achalasia. They are. Only, the chances are low. Achalasia is also common in people who are suffering from an autoimmune disease.

Symptoms of Achalasia

Since achalasia is a disorder that affects the LOS, the person may feel their food is stuck in their throat. They will have a hard time swallowing their food. This condition is also known as dysphagia. This can also develop into a condition called aspiration, wherein the bits of food go into the air pipe. However, these are not the only symptoms of achalasia. Other symptoms are:    

Loss of weight Heartburn Pain or discomfort in the chest Discomfort or intense pain after eating

If you find yourself having a hard time swallowing food, or someone you know is affected by it, consult a doctor at the earliest. There are many good achalasia doctors in Delhi for whom you can book an appointment.

Website: http://www.drvikassingla.com


Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.