What Are the Most Common Symptoms of Achalasia?

Achalasia is a condition that affects less than 200,000 Americans per year; this is a rare condition that can be life threatening, depending on what is causing your symptoms. In this blog, we’ll take a look at the primary symptom of achalasia, discuss the presence of dysphagia with achalasia, and discuss how achalasia can, surprisingly, be one of the causes of pneumonia.

What Is Achalasia?

Achalasia is a condition that affects the esophagus, the muscular tube that connects the mouth to the stomach. While the main presentation of this condition is difficulty swallowing, other symptoms may show up as well:

What Are the Symptoms of Achalasia?

The primary symptom of achalasia is dysphagia, or trouble swallowing. Most patients will find that the symptoms of achalasia will slowly creep up on them and worsen gradually over time. Eventually, individuals may struggle with regurgitation, heartburn, chest pain, and even pneumonia - discussed in more detail below. This condition may act much like GERD, however, it differs from GERD in that patients with achalasia will have trouble swallowing foods and drinks.

What Causes Achalasia?

While the root cause of achalasia is unknown, most medical professionals think that achalasia is caused by a virus - one that triggers an autoimmune response in the esophagus, leading to neuromuscular issues. In some cases, esophageal cancer can also cause achalasia; a simple scoping procedure can rule out this more serious condition. Achalasia may also be caused by inherited genetic mutations or infection.

How Can Achalasia Lead to Pneumonia?

While these two conditions seem largely separate, achalasia can lead to pneumonia. Much like with GERD, achalasia often causes regurgitation. Especially when regurgitation is more serious, like at night, food particles can make their way up into the pharynx (the portion of the upper respiratory and digestive tract where the two connect) and down into the lungs. Bacteria, like Streptococcus pneumoniae, viruses, and fungi can all cause pneumonia; however, the common link is that aspirated food can carry in these little critters, all of which may proliferate in the lungs to cause pneumonia.

What Does Achalasia Treatment Look Like?

Luckily, achalasia treatment is fairly straightforward. There are a few different options, depending on how your achalasia is manifesting - for example, is the problem with the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) or along the length of the esophagus itself? Botox may be a solution for those whose LES is over-tightened, while a pneumatic dilation may be best for those who want a treatment for the LES that will last longer. A heller myotomy may be recommended to patients whose LES needs to be altered completely. 

Regardless of which treatment plan you and your provider agree on, the reflux experts at the Tampa Bay Reflux Center can help you. Simply contact our staff for a consultation; let’s solve your achalasia problems!