How 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 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 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 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 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.
Related QuestionsHow is it treated?
Frequently Asked QuestionsThere are two medications that are most often prescribed to treat epilepsy, Phenobarbital and potassium bromide. These two drugs used either alone or in combination with each other control seizures in 80 to 95% of all dogs. For dogs who are not controlled with these two drugs, there are other medications that aren't as consistently helpful but may be the perfect medication for an individual dog.
Related QuestionsUrinary Incontinence in WomenDoing Kegel exercises to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles. It is one of the best ways to improve stress incontinence. Using a removable device called a pessary (which is placed inside the vagina). It can help reduce stress incontinence by putting pressure on the urethra. Having surgery to support the bladder or move it back to a normal position, if other treatment doesn't help. Suggest behavior changes to fix the problem.Related Questions
Quality Health | Urinary Incontinence in WomenMost cases of incontinence can be improved if not cured. Kegel exercises to strengthen pelvic floor muscles help many women with stress incontinence. For some women, a removable device called a pessary (which is placed inside the vagina) can help decrease stress incontinence by putting pressure on the urethra. Learned techniques to retrain the bladder are often helpful for women with urge incontinence. Medications may also help, although they may have bothersome side effects.Related Questions
Heart Disease Treatment FAQs - Adult Stem Cells Treats Heart...The treating cardiologist or heart surgeon will review your medical records. This starts with your personal consultant from TheraVitae who will assist you in gathering everything you need. There is no charge or obligation for the entire medical review process. Normally, the reviewing physician will ask to see recent diagnostic results. If they are not available, he or she will request a specific test.Related Questions
Colon PolypsDoctors usually remove colon polyps because some of them can turn into colon cancer. Most polyps are removed during a colonoscopy. You may need to have surgery if you have a large polyp. Colon polyps can grow back. If you have had polyps removed, it is important to have follow-up testing to look for more polyps. Talk to your doctor about how often you need to be tested.Related Questions
Frequently Asked Questions -- C. Thomas Vangsness, Jr., M.D....Calcific tendonitis is treated in a conservative nonoperative fashion. Often cortisone injections or poking the calcified area with a needle can help remove the calcified structures. Over time, studies have shown that these calcified areas generally go away. If symptoms of pain continue, arthroscopic surgery can remove the calcified area with small motorized instruments.Related Questions
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), SVCMC; New York NYTreatment for SAD includes light therapy, in which you sit at a certain distance from artificial bright lights, usually in the morning. Another form of light therapy called dawn simulation is also used. With dawn simulation, lights in your bedroom are programmed to come on gradually a few hours before you wake up in the morning. Your doctor may also prescribe antidepressant medications, such as fluoxetine (for example, Prozac).Related Questions
Quality Health | Anorexia NervosaAll people who have anorexia need treatment. Even if you or someone you care about has only a couple of the signs of an eating disorder, get help now. Early treatment gives the best chance of beating anorexia. Treatment can help you get back to and stay at a healthy weight, learn good eating habits, and learn to feel better about yourself. Because anorexia is both a physical and emotional problem, you may work with a doctor, a dietitian, and a counselor. There are no medicines to treat anorexia.Related Questions
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)a rule, you don't need treatment for BPH unless the symptoms bother you or you have other problems such as backed-up urine, bladder infections, or bladder stones. Although home treatment cannot stop your prostate from getting larger, it can help reduce or control your symptoms. Here are some things you can do that may help reduce your symptoms: Practice double voiding. Urinate as much as you can, relax for a few moments, and then urinate again. Avoid caffeine and alcohol.Related Questions
Quality Health | Binge Eating DisorderTreatment for binge eating disorder includes counseling, medicines such as antidepressants, or a combination of the two. You might need treatment over a long period of time to fully recover. You also might need treatment for other conditions that often occur with binge eating disorder. This can include depression, obesity, or problems related to being overweight.Related Questions
Skin Cancer, Melanoma, SVCMC; New York NYMelanomas detected at an early stage have the best chance for cure. Surgical removal, or excision, of the melanoma is the most effective treatment. Surgical removal may be all that is needed for early melanomas that have not spread, or metastasized, to other parts of the body. Depending on the area of the body and how thick the melanoma is, you may need plastic surgery to repair the scar left by surgery.Related Questions
Quality Health | Skin Cancer, NonmelanomaYour doctor will want to remove all of the cancer. There are several ways to do this. The most common way is to cut it out of your skin. You will be awake while this is done. Your doctor will numb your skin so that it does not hurt. After your treatment, you will need regular checkups, because having skin cancer once makes you more likely to get it again.Related Questions
Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma, SVCMC; New York NYTreatment of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma depends on the type of lymphoma, the stage of the disease, the grade of the disease, and your age and general health. The treatment options are:Related Questions
Quality Health | Athlete's FootYou can treat most cases of athlete's foot at home by putting antifungal medicine directly on the skin (topical medicine). For severe cases, you may need to take pills. Be sure to use antifungal medicine for the indicated length of time, because athlete's foot can be difficult to kill. It's equally important that you keep your feet clean and dry, since the fungi need a moist place to grow. Because athlete's foot tends to come back, prevention is also an important part of treatment.Related Questions
Breast Cancer, SVCMC; New York NYMost people who have breast cancer have surgery to remove the cancer. The surgeon may also take out some or all of the lymph nodes under your arm to find out if the cancer has spread to this area. After surgery, you may have radiation therapy to destroy cancer cells. You may also get chemotherapy or hormone therapy. These are powerful medicines that travel through your body to kill cancer cells. You might have radiation, chemotherapy, or hormone therapy before surgery to help shrink the cancer.Related Questions
AppendicitisThe only treatment for appendicitis is surgery to remove your appendix (appendectomy). If you have appendicitis and do not have surgery in time, your appendix can burst. A burst appendix can cause serious problems. It's best to remove the appendix before it bursts. There are different types of surgery for appendicitis. Your surgeon may operate through a large cut (incision) in your belly or use a tool called a laparoscope to remove your appendix through a few smaller incisions.Related Questions
Foundation for Ichthyosis and Related Skin TypesA: In general, the goal in taking care of ichthyosis is to hydrate (moisturize) the skin, hold in the moisture, and keep scale thickness to a minimum.Related Questions
Strep Throat, SVCMC; New York NYStrep throat will go away in 3 to 7 days with or without treatment. However, strep throat is still treated with antibiotics even if they do not speed recovery. Antibiotics kill the strep bacteria, shorten the time you are contagious, and reduce the risk of complications, such as the infection spreading to other parts of your body. Antibiotics are effective in relieving symptoms of strep throat only if they are given within 48 to 72 hours after symptoms begin.Related Questions
Quality Health | Age-Related Macular Degenerationthis time, there is no cure for macular degeneration. But experts are exploring many new treatments that hold hope for the future. Your doctor can keep you up to date on any changes in treatment that might help you. Experts at the National Eye Institute have tested a special formula of antioxidant vitamins and minerals. This formula may help slow down vision loss in some people with moderate to severe macular degeneration.1 Talk to your doctor about whether it might help you.Related Questions
Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS), SVCMC; New York NYRegular moderate exercise and stretching along with avoiding smoking and caffeine may be enough to relieve mild symptoms. When symptoms are more severe or make it hard to sleep, medicines often help.Related Questions
Quality Health | BursitisBursitis can often be treated at home. Treatment usually includes resting the painful area, applying ice, taking pain relievers (such as acetaminophen or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs [NSAIDs]), and doing gentle exercises and stretching to prevent stiffness. These steps typically reduce pain and tenderness and allow the bursa to heal. Physical therapy may be recommended to strengthen the muscles around your joints.Related Questions
Chronic Kidney Disease, SVCMC; New York NYChronic kidney disease is usually caused by another condition. So the first step is to treat the disease that is causing kidney damage. Diabetes and high blood pressure cause most cases of chronic kidney disease. If you keep your blood pressure and blood sugar near normal, you may be able to slow or stop the damage to your kidneys. Losing weight and getting more exercise can help. You may also need to take medicines. Kidney disease is a complex problem.Related Questions
