What Are Some Common Achalasia Treatments?

Achalasia is a rare disorder that affects a patient’s nerves that control the esophagus. This disorder makes it difficult to swallow food and drink, especially during an “attack”. The esophagus is a band of muscular tissue that surrounds a hollow tube; these muscles are supposed to contract in succession to move food from the mouth to the stomach. When these muscles function improperly, achalasia (types 2 and 3) is the resulting condition. In this blog, we’ll take a look at the most common achalasia treatment drugs, the achalasia diet, and discuss why achalasia treatment surgery may be your best option for long-term relief.

Another type of achalasia (type 1) involves the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) being too tight. For the purposes of this article, we’ll focus on treatments that resolve both types. For more information about the different types of achalasia, check out this post: What Are the 3 Types of Achalasia?

Diagnosing Achalasia

If you and your doctor suspect that you may be suffering from achalasia, you will likely be referred to a gastroesophageal specialist like those here at the Tamba Bay Reflux Center. In order to diagnose your condition, you will need to submit to tests like the Esophageal Motility Study. If your reflux doctor finds that you do not pass this test, treatment options will be discussed.

Achalasia Treatment: The Achalasia Diet

For some patients, altering the diet is enough to relieve symptoms. This treatment is more likely to be helpful for patients that have type 1 achalasia, however, it may be beneficial for those with type 3, as well. For the “achalasia diet,” you’ll simply want to choose softer foods over those that are lumpy or hard to swallow. For example, you’ll want to choose yogurts and fruit purees over hard cheeses or whole fruits. Reach for smoothies, protein shakes, soft meats (like fish), and avoid overly hot or cold beverages.

Achalasia Treatment: Drugs

Your provider will probably recommend you start by attempting the achalasia diet above. However, if you are still uncomfortable or experiencing attacks after trying the diet, your reflux specialist will probably recommend drugs or surgery. Drugs are a good option for patients that aren’t good candidates for surgery. Achalasia treatment drugs include calcium channel blockers (like nifedipine), antianginals (muscle relaxants), and vasodilators (open up blood vessels, preventing muscle contraction). Depending on the extent and location of your symptoms, your doctor will recommend a feasible drug that fits your needs.

Achalasia Treatment: Balloon Dilation

Balloon dilation is a physical treatment option available to patients whose achalasia manifests as type 2 or 3: the esophagus is either always too tight or the patient experiences attacks during which the esophageal muscles are overly tightened. During balloon dilation, a scope is inserted into the esophagus with a tiny inflatable balloon device attached to the end. 

Achalasia Treatment: Surgery

If you are a good candidate, and surgery is the best treatment option for you, your doctor may recommend that you go under the knife to treat your achalasia. Surgical treatment is often the best, most lasting treatment for those with type 1 achalasia (those that have an over-tightened LES). During this procedure, your surgeon will physically cut the over-tightened bands of tissue that make up the LES, then restructure them and partially wrap the top portion of the stomach around the sphincter to create a reliable, strong opening that will not stretch or tighten over time. This procedure will not treat type 2 or 3 achalasia.

Achalasia Treatment in Tampa Bay

Here at the Tampa Bay Reflux Center, our reflux specialists are highly trained in the diagnosis and treatment of achalasia. If you think you may be suffering from this condition, don’t wait - contact the team at the Tampa Bay Reflux Center today. We can help you look forward to mealtime again!