Achalasia

Alternative names:

esophageal achalasia

Definition:

A disorder of the esophagus characterized by the reduced ability to move food down the esophagus and the inability of the lower esophageal sphincter to relax in response to swallowing.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

The disorder is characterized by loss of the wave-like contraction of smooth muscles that forces food through the digestive tract (peristalsis). The condition also includes spasms of the valve (sphincter) from the esophagus to the stomach that does not relax and lack of nervous stimulation of the esophagus. Causes include damage to the nerves to the esophagus, parasitic infection, and hereditary factors. Achalasia may occur at any age but increases with frequency with advancing age. The incidence is 2 out of 10,000 people.