Achalasia

 Achalasia is motor disorder of esophagus characterized by impaired relaxation of lower esophageal sphincter

 Symptoms of achalasia are:

      1.    Dysphagia

2.    Odynophagia

3.    Chest pain

4.    Weight loss

5.    Aspiration pneumonia

 Diagnosis

Following tests are performed for the diagnosis of achalasia

     1.    Upper GI endoscopy to rule out obstructing lesion

2.    Barium swallow

3.    Esophageal manometry

 Treatment

Following are the treatment options

     1.    Surgery

2.    Endoscopic pneumatic balloon dilatation

3.    Oral nifedepine and nitroglycerine

4.    Botulinum injection

 Surgeries and endoscopic dilatations are mainstay of treatment.