User:Mr. Ibrahem/Esophageal achalasia

Esophageal achalasia, often called simply achalasia, is a failure of the smooth muscle in the lower esophageal sphincter to relax and open. Symptoms may include difficulty swallowing, regurgitation, and chest pain. Onset is generally gradual. Complications may include weight loss, aspiration pneumonia, and esophageal cancer.

Generally the cause is unknown; though some cases occur due to Chagas disease, Down's, triple-A syndrome, or achalasia microcephaly. Some cases may occur within families. The underlying mechanism is believed to involve failure of esophageal nerves resulting in abnormal contraction of the esophagus. Diagnosis is supported by manometry, barium swallow, and endoscopy. It is an esophageal motility disorder.

A number of measures may improve the condition. Options may include medications such as nifedipine or botox; procedures such as esophageal dilatation; and surgery such as a Heller myotomy or per-oral endoscopic myotomy. Following surgery GERD may occur.

Achalasia generally affects about 2 to 3 per 100,000 people. Onset is usually in those 25 to 60 years old; most commonly around the age of 50. Males and females are affected with similar frequency. In Brazil the condition may affect as many as 0.8% of people due to Chagas disease. The term is from the Greek a- meaning "lack" and -khalasis meaning "relaxation".