Achalasia (food pipe won't relax)

Overview

Nerves in the esophagus wear out, so food and liquid sit in it.

Treatments open the lower muscle so food can pass.

Symptoms

Common signs:

• Trouble swallowing
• Food getting stuck in the chest or throat

Less common

• Regurgitation
• Weight loss
• Chest pain
• Coughing at night

Look up a symptom: Losing weight without trying

When to get medical care

Causes

Nerve damage.

Does it spread or run in families?

• It isn't contagious. You can't catch it from someone else.

Who is more likely to get it

• Adults 25 to 60: Most common

Possible complications

• Aspiration pneumonia (inhaling food or vomit): From food coming back up
• Esophageal cancer: A small extra risk

Diagnosis

A clinician asks about your symptoms and may order tests.

The exam

A physical exam.

Tests

Tests, if needed:

• Swallow study:
• Manometry:

Treatment

Treatment depends on the cause and how severe it is.

Self-care

• Eat slowly
• Drink with meals

Which doctor treats this

• Start with your primary care provider (family doctor or internist).
• They may send you to a gastroenterologist (stomach and gut doctor).

Living with it

Support groups and helplines

• Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center (GARD): Free NIH information on rare diseases, including where to find experts and patient groups.
• National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD): Patient groups, help finding care, and aid programs for rare diseases.

Children, pregnancy, and older adults

• Adults 30 to 60: Most common.
• Adults 25 to 60: Most common.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

• If you're pregnant or planning to be, tell your prenatal provider about this condition.
• Don't start or stop any medicine on your own. Some are safe in pregnancy and some need to be changed.
• Ask before taking any pain reliever. The FDA advises avoiding ibuprofen and naproxen after 20 weeks unless your doctor says to.
• Breastfeeding: Most medicines are fine, but ask. The NIH LactMed database lists what's known about each one.

Outlook

Treatment improves swallowing.

Getting ready for your visit

Bring a list of your symptoms and medicines.

What to bring

• A list of your medicines and supplements
• Notes on when symptoms started and what makes them better or worse

Questions to ask

• What's causing this?
• What treatment do you recommend?
• Which treatment is best for me?

Research studies

Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.

Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Achalasia (food pipe won't relax)