Achalasia in Thibodaux, LA
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Find a ProviderWhat is achalasia?
Achalasia is a rare swallowing disorder caused by the loss of nerve cells in the esophagus, the tube that carries food from your mouth to your stomach. This condition typically presents in adults between the ages of 25 – 60, but can also occur in children. Early diagnosis and treatment are important because people with achalasia have an increased risk of developing esophageal cancer. If you are concerned that you may have achalasia, contact one of our Thibodaux, LA locations to be assessed by a Digestive Health Center GI provider.
What are the symptoms of achalasia?
The most common symptom achalasia patients present is the sensation that food and liquids get stuck in the chest. Some people compensate by eating more slowly and lifting the neck or throwing the shoulders back, to improve the emptying of the esophagus. Other symptoms our Thibodaux, LA patients have reported developing include:
- Heartburn
- Hiccups or difficulty belching
- Pain in the chest that comes and goes
- Cough at night
- Regurgitation of undigested food
- Weight loss
How is achalasia treated?
There are both surgical and nonsurgical options available to treat achalasia. The primary goal of treatment it to alleviate your symptoms by relaxing the lower esophageal sphincter. Some of the treatment options for achalasia include:
- Balloon dilation: This is a noninvasive procedure that uses a designed balloon to relax the muscle sphincter and allow food to enter your stomach.
- Medication: Medications like nifedipine (Procardia XL®, Adalat CC®) or isosorbide (Imdur®, Monoket®) could also be used to relax the sphincter.
- Minimally invasive surgery: Laparoscopic esophagomyotomy is a surgery commonly used to treat achalasia. A small incision is made and an endoscope is used to sever the muscle fibers of the sphincter.
Your Digestive Health Center GI provider will discuss all available treatment options and help lead you to the treatment path that is right for you.
Seek treatment for achalasia
Though achalasia is a rare GI condition, it can quickly become serious if it is left untreated. If left untreated, this condition can cause malnutrition and extreme weight loss as it affects your ability to eat and drink. Trust our Digestive Health Center GI providers to alleviate the symptoms of this condition and help you return to your daily life. If you are experiencing symptoms like weight loss, dysphagia, or any of the symptoms listed above, we urge you to reach out to one of our Thibodaux, LA locations to request a consultation today.
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