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Achalasia

Definition:
Achalasia is a disorder of the esophagus (the tube that carries food from the mouth to the stomach). The esophagus is less able to move food toward the stomach and the valve from the esophagus to the stomach does not relax as much as it needs to during swallowing. This relaxation is needed to allow food to enter the stomach.

Alternative Names:
Esophageal achalasia

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

The disorder is characterized by loss of the wave-like contraction of smooth muscles that forces food through the digestive tract. (These contractions are called peristalsis.) The condition also includes spasms of the valve (lower esophageal sphincter) from the esophagus to the stomach, which prevents it from opening.

Another part of the disorder is lack of nervous stimulation to the esophagus. Causes include damage to the nerves to the esophagus, parasitic infection, cancers, and hereditary factors. Achalasia may occur at any age.



Review Date: 5/9/2002
Reviewed By: Andrew J. Muir, M.D. M.H.S., Division of Gastroenterology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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