Achalasia Flashcards
Achalasia is a condition in which there is o______ d______ so impaired peristalsis as the l____ o_____ s____ fails to relax
oesophageal dysmotility
lower oesophageal sphincter
What is the cause of achalsia?
Idiopathic (and rare)
What are symptoms of achalasia?
Non progressive dysphagia so struggle to swallow anything
Chesty substernal pain
Food regurgitation
Aspiration pneumonia
How is achalasia diagnosed?
“bird beak” on Barium swallow (showing tapering of inferior oesophagus
Diagnostic = Manometry
How does a manometry test work?
Catheter with pressure sensors to measure pressure across LOS
How is achalasia treated?
Only surgery is curative (balloon stenting)
Drugs that may help pre-surgery include nitrates and nifedipine
What is a complication of achalasia?
May increase risk of oesophageal squamous cell lung cancer
