What causes achalasia?
What is achalasia? - CworkersinpainThe cause of achalasia is unknown. Theories on causation invoke infection, heredity or an abnormality of the immune system that causes the body itself to damage the esophagus (autoimmune disease).The esophagus contains both muscle and nerves. The nerves coordinate the relaxation and opening of the sphincters as well as the peristaltic waves in the body of the esophagus.
Related QuestionsWhat is achalasia?
What is achalasia? - CworkersinpainAchalasia is a rare disease of the muscle of the esophagus (swallowing tube). The term achalasia means "failure to relax" and refers to the inability of the lower esophageal sphincter (a ring of muscle between the lower esophagus and the stomach) to open and let food pass into the stomach. As a result, patients with achalasia have difficulty swallowing food.
Related QuestionsWhat are the symptoms of achalasia?
What is achalasia? - CworkersinpainThe most common symptom of achalasia is difficulty swallowing (dysphagia). Patients typically describe food sticking in the chest after it is swallowed. Dysphagia occurs with both solid and liquid food. Moreover, the dysphagia is consistent, meaning that it occurs during virtually every meal.Sometimes, patients will describe only a heavy sensation in their chest after eating that may force them to stop eating. Occasionally, pain may be severe and mimic heart pain.
Related QuestionsWhat are the complications of achalasia?
What is achalasia? - CworkersinpainThe complications of achalasia include weight loss and aspiration pneumonia. There often is inflammation of the esophagus, called esophagitis, which is caused by the irritating effect of food and fluids that collect in the esophagus for prolonged periods of time. There may be esophageal ulcerations as well.Of potential concern is the possibility that there is an increased occurrence of cancer of the esophagus in patients with achalasia.
Related QuestionsHow is achalasia diagnosed?
What is achalasia? - CworkersinpainThe diagnosis of achalasia often is suspected on the basis of the history. Patients usually describe a progressive (worsening) of dysphagia for solid and liquid food over a period of many months to years. They may note regurgitation of food, chest pain, or loss of weight. Rarely, the first symptom is aspiration pneumonia.
Related QuestionsHow is achalasia treated?
What is achalasia? - CworkersinpainTreatments for achalasia include oral medications, dilation or stretching of the lower esophageal sphincter (dilation), surgery to cut the sphincter (esophagomyotomy), and the injection of botulinum toxin (Botox) into the sphincter. All four treatments reduce the pressure within the lower esophageal sphincter to allow easier passage of food from the esophagus into the stomach. The lower esophageal sphincter also may be treated directly by forceful dilation.
Related QuestionsWhat is the definition of achalasia?
What is achalasia? - CworkersinpainLay: Achalasia is a disorder of swallowing resulting from the inability of the muscle of the esophagus (food pipe) to relax, preventing food and liquids to get to the stomach. The muscle affected is called the lower esophageal sphincter: this is a ring of muscle at the junction of the esophagus and stomach, which normally stays shut (to prevent stomach acid from coming back) and opens during swallowing to allow food down. In patients with achalasia, this ring stays shut.
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Psoriasis Help Organisation - Online ForumCy, JUDGE DREDD, Madtoscratch, Lianne, lutece, SueB, akesingland, riaY, bryndavell, Groovygirl, david_8, SJ, Terrimayormaynot, jjoblogs1, anglichanin, Tom_B, bubble, TrishR, squoink, GATTACA, willy, Roger, margurita_simpson, snowy, beacon, LyndsayA, stripe77, Snow Surfer, lighthearted The material has been extracted from Psoriasis at your fingertips by Dr Tim Mitchell & Rebecca Penzer (Class Publishing).
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Frequently Asked QuestionsCopyright © 2002-2005 Health Information Publications. The information provided on this Web site has been developed exclusively by and for Health Information Publications and ehealthMD and may not be copied without written permission. The information provided is for general information only and is not intended to replace the advice of your health-care provider. This is original material developed by Health Information Publications, Copyright © 1990-2005Related Questions
Foundation for Ichthyosis and Related Skin TypesA: The term "ichthyosis" refers to a group of disorders caused by a genetic defect which may have been spontaneous (due to a mutation of a gene) or passed on through family inheritance. The skin's natural shedding process is slowed or inhibited and, in some forms of ichthyosis, the production of skin cells is too rapid.Related Questions
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Psoriasis Help Organisation - Online ForumriaY, ivano, SueB, Lianne, Annie G, margurita_simpson, david_8, sandy1, FelicityHelen, SPOTTY MUNCHKIN, Cy, elgrande, aimee26, GyZim, Aginoth, stewart_h, veronique, jjoblogs1, lkm, akesingland, Scofz, mattellie, Diletta The material has been extracted from Psoriasis at your fingertips by Dr Tim Mitchell & Rebecca Penzer (Class Publishing). Permission has been granted by Class Publishing to reproduce these extracts from their bookRelated Questions
How is esophageal function abnormal in achalasia?
What is achalasia? - CworkersinpainIn achalasia there is an inability of the lower sphincter to relax and open to let food pass into the stomach. In at least half of the patients, the lower sphincter resting pressure (the pressure in the lower sphincter when the patient is not swallowing) also is abnormally high.
Related QuestionsAre there different types of achalasia?
What is achalasia? - CworkersinpainAchalasia can very rarely occur from other disease states (such as cancer), when it is known as secondary achalasia or pseudoachalasia. However, by far the commonest type is primary achalasia which implies that the disease originates in the esophagus itself. This is the type that is commonly implied when the term achalasia is used without qualification. Another common adjective used for this kind of achalasia is "idiopathic" which means that we do not know what causes this disorder.
Related QuestionsCan I die from achalasia by choking to death?
What is achalasia? - CworkersinpainTheoretically patients can have pieces of food and liquids go down the airways, resulting in severe difficulty in breathing. However, the chances of this causing death are very unlikely. Most often when this occurs, patients will complain of coughing at night or develop pneumonia. This does not happen very often these days because of earlier medical attention.
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QTsyndrome.ch - Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)Patients with long QT syndrome develop a very fast heart rhythm disturbance known as "Torsade de pointes". This is a form of ventricular tachycardia. This rhythm is too fast for the heart to beat effectively, so the blood flow to the brain falls precipitously causing the sudden loss of consciousness. In most instances, there is no warning prior to syncope.
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Obesity FAQ - Special Sections > Weighed Down > The Issues |...Obesity results from eating too many calories and not getting enough physical activity over a long period of time. This balance is affected by genes, metabolism, behavior, environment, culture and socioeconomic status.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about RosaceaA specific cause has not been determined but it appears that there may be hereditary tendencies. It is believed that the flushing and redness is a result of the blood vessels dilating too easily.
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