Imagine sitting down to enjoy your favorite meal, but every bite turns into a struggle — difficulty swallowing, with an uncomfortable sensation that food is stuck in your chest. This is the reality for patients with Achalasia, a condition where the esophagus fails to push food into the stomach properly. Symptoms begin to affect your daily life and overall health.
At Elite Care, we understand what you are going through. That’s why we provide the latest techniques for treating Achalasia, whether through non-surgical or advanced surgical methods, to help you regain comfort and enjoy eating again without pain or discomfort. Keep reading for more details.
What is Achalasia and Its Symptoms?
Achalasia is a rare condition that affects the esophagus — the tube that carries food and drink from the mouth to the stomach. The main cause is damage to the nerves controlling esophageal muscles, which makes food passage difficult. Instead of reaching the stomach, food may accumulate inside the esophagus and ferment over time, sometimes regurgitating back into the mouth with a bitter taste.
Many patients confuse Achalasia with GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease). The difference is that in GERD, food comes back from the stomach, while in Achalasia, food is stuck in the esophagus itself. Symptoms appear gradually and worsen over time, including:
Difficulty swallowing, as if food is stuck in the throat.
Regurgitation of food or saliva.
Chest burning (heartburn).
Frequent belching.
Intermittent chest pain.
Disturbing nighttime coughing.
Lung infections due to food aspiration.
Unexplained weight loss.
Vomiting.
In short, Achalasia may start with simple swallowing difficulties but gradually develops to significantly impact your daily life and health. Early diagnosis and follow-up with a specialized doctor at Elite Care help you control symptoms and avoid complications.
Diagnostic Methods for Achalasia at Elite Care
At Elite Care, we focus on accurate diagnosis before starting any treatment plan. Our doctors rely on several structured tests to confirm the presence of Achalasia and determine its severity, including:
Clinical Examination: Reviewing symptoms such as swallowing difficulty and regurgitation, while carefully assessing your medical history.
Barium Swallow Test (Esophagram): You drink a solution containing barium, followed by X-ray imaging of the esophagus to observe food movement and any blockage at the lower esophageal sphincter.
Esophageal Manometry: A specialized device measures esophageal muscle contractions and sphincter relaxation. This is the most accurate test for diagnosing Achalasia.
Upper Endoscopy: A thin tube with a camera is inserted to examine the esophagus internally, excluding other conditions such as tumors or strictures that may cause similar symptoms.
These steps at Elite Care ensure a clear diagnosis and a treatment plan tailored specifically to your condition.
Treatment Options for Achalasia at Elite Care
The goal of treatment at Elite Care is to relax the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) and improve food passage into the stomach. While Achalasia cannot be completely cured, multiple options exist to effectively control symptoms:
Non-Surgical Treatments
Balloon Dilation: A special balloon is inserted through the LES and inflated to stretch the muscle and improve relaxation. Several sessions may be required.
Medications: Botox injections into the sphincter muscle can reduce its tightness. Other oral medications such as Nifedipine or Isosorbide may also help relax the muscle.
Surgical Treatments
If non-surgical options fail, surgical methods may be considered:
Heller Myotomy (Laparoscopic): Using a laparoscope, small instruments cut muscle fibers of the sphincter to improve food passage.
POEM (Peroral Endoscopic Myotomy): A minimally invasive endoscopic procedure where muscle fibers are cut from inside the esophagus.
Esophagectomy: In very rare, severe cases, complete removal of the esophagus may be required as a last resort.
At Elite Care, the doctor determines the most suitable option based on symptoms and patient preferences, ensuring the best possible outcome and quality of life.
Why Choose Elite Care for Achalasia Treatment?
When it comes to a complex condition like Achalasia, the right medical center makes the difference between temporary relief and long-term improvement in your daily life. At Elite Care, you benefit from:
Specialized Team: Experienced doctors with extensive knowledge in diagnosing and managing Achalasia.
Advanced Technologies: Cutting-edge diagnostic tools such as manometry and endoscopy for accurate treatment planning.
Comprehensive Care: Continuous follow-up to ensure long-lasting results and reduce recurrence risk.
Patient Comfort: Minimally invasive techniques designed to shorten recovery time.
At Elite Care, you’re not just a case — you are a patient with unique needs that we strive to address with personalized, effective care. Don’t let swallowing difficulties control your life. Book your consultation now at Elite Care for Achalasia treatment and let our expert team design a treatment plan tailored to your condition.
Book with us now
Consultation available via WhatsApp