Understanding Your Achalasia Treatment Options

Have you found yourself finding it difficult to swallow lately? If it’s been accompanied by chest pain, severe heartburn, or persistent regurgitation, you might have achalasia. This condition affects approximately 1 in 10,000 people whose achalasia symptoms range from mild discomfort while eating to extreme pain and malnutrition. If you suspect that you have a gastrointestinal issue like achalasia, one of our reflux experts can help you get a diagnosis.

What Is Achalasia?

Achalasia is a condition that affects the esophagus, making it difficult for food to travel to the stomach. There is often a disruption of the nerves and muscular function that causes this issue; however, the specific etiology is largely unknown. Achalasia is likely caused by autoimmune issues, neurodegeneration, or a viral immune attack. Diagnosis usually involves a barium swallow or an endoscopy; if your doctor determines that you have achalasia, you have four treatment options— each with its own set of risks.

Treatment Option 1: Medication

Since the majority of achalasia symptoms are caused by an over-tightened lower esophageal sphincter (LES), most treatments are aimed at stretching it out and allowing food to pass through it more easily. There aren’t many medications that can do this effectively, but you may want to try medication like muscle relaxants (Nitrostat and Procardia are two) before moving on to other treatment options.

Treatment Option 2: Botox Treatment

If a broad muscle relaxant prior to eating doesn’t work for you, or your symptoms are persistent even when you aren’t eating, your doctor might recommend a botox injection to help relax your LES. Injecting botulinum toxin A directly into the sphincter will provide immediate relief of achalasia symptoms and can aid in solidifying the diagnosis. Unfortunately, patients will need repeat injections every six months or more; additionally, repeat injections can cause complications in future surgical procedures.

Treatment Option 3: Balloon Dilation

While botox injections can be a good option for patients who aren’t able to have surgery, balloon dilation is a much better option. This therapy uses a small, inflatable balloon that inflates inside the LES. The pressure from the balloon opens up the sphincter and weakens the musculature. This procedure has proven extremely effective and can provide relief for patients for far longer than botox injections.

Treatment Option 4: Heller Myotomy Surgery

This is surgical procedure is the most effective achalasia treatment available. For this surgery, you will be asleep; a surgeon will sever some of the small muscles in the LES to allow food to pass through into your stomach more easily. The majority of patients experience a major relief of their symptoms, if not complete remission. The Heller myotomy is performed using laparoscopic techniques, so scarring should be minimal.

Achalasia Treatment in Tampa

If you’ve struggled with achalasia symptoms for a while, it’s time to address your condition. Mealtime shouldn’t be uncomfortable! Don’t wait— achalasia can lead to devastating complications, including esophageal cancer. Here at the Tampa Bay Reflux Center, we can help diagnose and treat your achalasia; contact us today to schedule an appointment with a gastrointestinal specialist!