Achalasia

GI Web Banner.jpg​

GERD rect.jpg esoinophilic esophagitis rect.jpg barretts esophagus rect.jpg achalasia rect.jpg 

back to centers.jpg

Achalasia

Achalasia is a disease of the esophagus that makes it hard to move food and liquid into the stomach. 

A valve called the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) is located between your esophagus and stomach. In a normally functioning esophagus, this valve will relax and open during swallowing to allow food to pass into the stomach. In patients with achalasia, the nerves of the esophagus degenerate causing the LES to fail to open, leading to a backup of food within the esophagus. 

Symptoms of achalasia can include:

  • Regurgitation of food
  • Chest discomfort or sharp pain
  • Difficulty swallowing 
  • Heartburn
  • Weight loss

Left untreated, achalasia can cause lung infections and pneumonia.

While there is currently no cure for achalasia, various medications and surgical procedures are available to help treat the symptoms of this disease. Talk with your doctor about a treatment option that may work for you. 

For an in-dept view on Achalasia, click here to check out an article by Vanderbilt researchers.

Current Trials for Achalasia

We currently have no trials enrolling for Achalasia. Talk with your doctor about upcoming trials or other treatment options available.