Achalasia

Achalasia - What it is

Achalasia is a rare condition that affects the oesophagus that connects the throat to the stomach. The nerves in the oesophagus no longer signals it to push food down into the stomach, and the valve at the end of the oesophagus (lower oesophageal sphincter) no longer opens during swallowing. As a result, ingested food cannot enter the stomach and collects in the oesophagus. It is a progressive disease that worsens over time and results in a higher risk of oesophageal cancer.

What causes achalasia?

The majority of achalasia cases are idiopathic (i.e. unknown cause). No one truly knows why the nerve cells in the oesophagus are affected, although it has been linked to virus infections or autoimmune disease (where the nerves are “attacked” by your own immune system).

General Surgery,

Upper Gastrointestinal

Article contributed by Upper Gastrointestinal ＆ Bariatric Surgery, Changi General Hospital; Upper Gastrointestinal ＆ Bariatric Surgery, Singapore General Hospital

The information provided is not intended as medical advice. Terms of use. Information provided by SingHealth

Clin Assoc Prof Christopher Khor Jen Lock

MBBS, FRCP (Edin), FAMS, FASGE

Clinical Interests: Advanced Endoscopic Imaging, Diagnostic and Therapeutic Endoscopy, Gastrointestinal Stenting, Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS), Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangio-Pancreatography (ERCP), Colon Cancer Screening, Endoscopic Mucosal Resection (EMR) and Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection (ESD), Endoscopic Therapy of early Gastrointestinal Cancer, Peroral Endoscopic Myotomy (POEM), Pancreaticobiliary Disorders

Clin Asst Prof Vikneswaran N

Senior Consultant

MBBS (Spore), MRCP(UK), FAMS

Clinical Interests: Endoscopic Mucosal Resection (EMR) and Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection (ESD), Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Motility Disorders, Early Gastrointestinal Cancers ＆ Dysplasia, Diagnostic and Therapeutic Endoscopy, Advanced Endoscopic Imaging, Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

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