Getting to Know Your Achalasia Treatment Options
Achalasia is a rare disorder that affects the esophagus, the tube that carries food from the mouth to the stomach. In people with achalasia, the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), a ring of muscle at the bottom of the esophagus, does not relax properly. This can make it difficult to swallow, and can lead to a variety of other symptoms, such as chest pain, heartburn, and regurgitation of food.
In this blog, we’re going to answer a few common questions about achalasia treatment, including what is the best treatment for achalasia, can achalasia be treated without surgery, and does achalasia get worse over time? Let’s get started.
How Can I Be Sure It’s Really Achalasia?
If you are experiencing symptoms of achalasia, such as difficulty swallowing, chest pain, and regurgitation of food, it is important to see a doctor to get a diagnosis. There are a number of other conditions (GERD, spasms, or cancer) that can cause these symptoms, so it is important to rule out other possibilities before making a diagnosis of achalasia.
Is There a Cure?
There is currently no cure for achalasia, but there are a number of treatment options available that can help to relieve symptoms and improve quality of life. For patients wondering “what is the best treatment for achalasia,” the answer will vary from person to person, depending on the severity of their symptoms and their overall health.
Does Achalasia Get Worse Over Time?
Achalasia is a progressive disorder, which means that the symptoms can get worse over time. If you are experiencing symptoms of achalasia, it is very important to see a doctor (like our specialists here at the Tampa Bay Reflux Center) to get a diagnosis and treatment plan. Treatment for achalasia can help to relieve symptoms and improve quality of life.
Your Achalasia Treatment Options:
#1: Lifestyle Changes & Medication
If your main concern is “can achalasia be treated without surgery,” your doctor will start you out here. Oftentimes, specialty clinics like the Tampa Bay Reflux Center may need to have you try lifestyle changes and certain medications before insurance will consider covering surgery.
Some things you can try include:
Eating smaller, more frequent meals
Avoiding foods that are hard to swallow
Drinking lots of water with meals
Elevating your upper body while sleeping
Nitrates to relax the LES
Calcium channel blockers to relax the LES
Botox injections to help relax the LES
#2: Balloon Dilation
Balloon dilation is another non-surgical procedure that can be used to treat achalasia. In this procedure, a doctor inserts a thin, flexible tube (endoscope) into the mouth and down the esophagus. A small balloon is attached to the end of the endoscope. The balloon is then inflated to stretch the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), a ring of muscle at the bottom of the esophagus.
#3: Heller Myotomy
If other options don’t work or you just want to do one procedure and be done with your symptoms, the Heller Myotomy is your best option. This surgery involves cutting the LES to relax it, and it resolves achalasia symptoms for patients whose issues were caused by an over-tightened LES.
So, are you ready to finally tackle your achalasia symptoms and get some relief? Contact our reflux and achalasia specialists today to get started.