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Achalasia
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What is Achalasia?

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Achalasia is a disorder of the oesophagus that makes it difficult for food and liquid to move from the oesophagus to the stomach. This is because the nerve that handles the movements of the oesophagus is damaged, and the sphincter that allows food to pass into the stomach does not open properly.

Achalasia explained in first person

Professionals and patients explain how you live with the disease
Achalasia | PortalClínic
There is an absence of peristaltic movements of the esophagus (it does not push), and there is also an absence of the opening of the lower esophageal sphincter.

The altered movement of the oesophagus that occurs with achalasia is due to damage to the nerve that generates the stimulus necessary for movement in the oesophagus (the nerve plexus). This means that the signals responsible for the movement of oesophageal propulsion are no longer transmitted.

In addition, the lower oesophageal sphincter (a ring-shaped muscle that opens and closes like a valve and communicates with the stomach) does not open to allow the passage of food.

As a result of these two factors, the oesophagus loses mobility and dilates over time, causing food to accumulate in the oesophagus.

How many people does Achalasia affect?

Types of Achalasia

There are 3 types of achalasia:

  • Type I or classic. This is the most advanced form. In many cases, the oesophagus dilates, making it difficult for the waves of oesophageal movement to push food during swallowing.
  • Type II or oesophageal compression. This is when there is an increase in pressure along the oesophagus during swallowing, so the contents swallowed are retained and trapped in the oesophagus.
  • Type III or spastic. In this variant, spasms form along the oesophagus, leading to patients having chest pain in addition to difficulty swallowing.
Read more Causes

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Substantiated information by:

Elisabeth Barba

Published: 20 February 2024
Updated: 20 February 2024

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