Understanding the Symptoms of Achalasia Cardia

Achalasia cardia is a rare disorder of the esophagus ( a tube through which food and liquids pass from the throat to the stomach). It is a condition where an individual faces difficulty swallowing foods due to the inability of the lower esophageal sphincter to relax properly. It occurs when the myenteric nerve plexus of the esophageal wall deteriorates and loses functional activity. 

As a result, food and liquids often get stuck in the esophagus, leading to various uncomfortable situations. Unfortunately, there is no permanent cure for this disorder. Achalasia cardia treatment focuses on managing the symptoms to improve the patient’s ability to swallow and prevent further complications. 

Hence, recognising the warning signs of achalasia cardia is important for timely evaluation and effective management before it’s too late. In this blog, we will discuss the signs related to the condition because, for leading a healthy life, awareness is the first step. 

Distressing Signs of Achalasia Cardia 

The symptoms of achalasia appear gradually and deteriorate over time. Here are some of the common signs that patients usually experience. 

1. Difficulty in swallowing: This is one of the most prominent characteristics of achalasia cardia. In the early stages, patients usually struggle to swallow solid foods, but over time, they are unable to swallow liquids. There is always a sensation that something is stuck in the throat, which gives rise to anxiety among individuals. 
2. Regurgitation of undigested food: Due to the obstruction at the lower end of the esophagus, food that remains undigested comes back to the mouth or throat, especially when lying down after eating. This leads to an increased risk of choking. 
3. Chest pain: Many patients with achalasia cardia experience moderate to extreme pain in the chest area. This mainly happens as a result of muscle spasms or the stretching of the esophagus due to the retention of food. The pain is similar to that of a heart attack and hence causes misdiagnosis and wrong achalasia cardia treatment in some cases. 
4. Weight loss: As eating becomes difficult for individuals, they might eat less and begin to gradually lose weight due to the malabsorption of nutrients. Over time, significant weight loss occurs, which affects the overall well-being.
5. Aspiration/aspiration pneumonia: Aspiration in achalasia cardia takes place when food and liquid get into the airways instead of the esophagus. When the aspirated items reach the lungs, it results in aspiration pneumonia, a serious, life-threatening lung condition that requires urgent medical attention. 

Managing Achalasia Cardia 

The goal of achalasia cardia treatment is to improve esophageal function and to give relief from the symptoms. 

1. Pharmacotherapy: Involves prescribing medications such as nitrates and calcium channel blockers.
2. Botox injections: They temporarily relax the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). 
3. Pneumatic dilation: It is done to stretch and weaken the sphincter muscles. 
4. Surgery: Also known as Laparoscopic Heller Myotomy (LHM), here the LES circular muscle fibres are cut and divided. 
5. Esophagectomy: It is the complete removal of the esophagus and is mostly done in severe cases. 

Conclusion

Achalasia cardia might not be a common disorder, but if left untreated can prove to be fatal. Hence, if you or someone you know is suffering from the symptoms of achalasia cardia, consult a healthcare provider immediately.