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.
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The term “dysphagia” is a medical term used to describe difficulty swallowing. It encompasses both severe and mild swallowing difficulties, and can range in severity from patients who experience difficulty trying to swallow certain types of foods to patients who are unable to swallow anything at all. Learn more about what causes dysphagia, common dysphagia symptoms, and how to treat dysphagia:
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At this point, most of us are familiar with GERD, a condition in which acid splashes back up from the stomach into the esophagus, resulting in frequent reflux. GERD is caused by a weakened lower esophageal sphincter, the valve between your stomach and esophagus. When the valve isn’t tight enough, it allows acid and food to travel back up.
Most surgeries used to combat GERD involve tightening the LES, but it’s all about finding the right balance. Tighten it too much, and you’ll find yourself dealing with the disorder on the other end of the spectrum: achalasia.
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