ESOPHAGEAL ACHALASIA Meaning and
Definition
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Esophageal achalasia is a medical condition characterized by the inability of the esophagus to properly propel food and liquids from the mouth to the stomach. It is caused by the malfunctioning of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) and the absence or significant reduction of peristalsis, which is the coordinated contraction and relaxation of muscles in the esophagus that help propel ingested material forward.
Symptoms of esophageal achalasia may include dysphagia (difficulty swallowing), regurgitation of undigested food, chest pain, heartburn, and weight loss. The condition can be progressive, causing the esophagus to dilate over time and potentially leading to complications such as aspiration pneumonia or the development of esophageal cancer.
The exact cause of esophageal achalasia is unknown, but it is thought to include both genetic and environmental factors. It may also be associated with an autoimmune response, in which the body's immune system mistakenly attacks its own tissues.
Diagnosis of esophageal achalasia often involves medical history evaluation, physical examination, and various tests including esophageal manometry, which measures the pressure in the esophagus, as well as imaging tests such as barium swallow or endoscopy.
Treatment options for esophageal achalasia include medications to relax the LES, balloon dilation to stretch the esophagus, and surgical interventions such as Heller myotomy or esophagomyotomy, which aim to cut the muscles of the LES to improve the passage of food and liquids.
Overall, esophageal achalasia is a chronic condition that requires long-term management, and treatment approaches may vary depending on the individual case and severity of symptoms.
Common Misspellings for ESOPHAGEAL ACHALASIA
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Etymology of ESOPHAGEAL ACHALASIA
The word "esophageal" refers to the esophagus, which is the muscular tube that connects the throat to the stomach. It comes from the Latin word "oesophagus" and the Greek word "oisophagos", both of which mean "gullet" or "entrance for eating".
"Achalasia" comes from the Greek words "a-" meaning "without", and "chalasis" meaning "loosening" or "relaxation". In the context of medical terminology, "achalasia" refers to the lack of relaxation of a muscle or a sphincter. In this case, it describes the failure of the lower esophageal sphincter to relax and allow food to pass into the stomach.
