Esophageal Achalasia

Achalasia is an uncommon abnormal condition characterized by inability of a muscle to relax, particularly the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) and lack of a coordinated LES relaxation in response to swallowing. The exact cause of achalasia is not known. The most widely accepted current theories implicate autoimmune disorders, infectious diseases, or both. Failure of the LES to relax leads to the retention of food and upper gastrointestinal secretions in the esophagus. ¹

Signs

Animals with achalasia may regurgitate the undigested food from the esophagus during the course of the disease. As the disease progresses, the likelihood that aspiration will occur increases. As a result, some patients may present with signs or symptoms of pneumonia or pneumonitis. Lung abscesses, productive cough, and coughing blood are some of the more severe pulmonary consequences of achalasia-associated aspiration. Patients with achalasia are at increased risk for esophageal cancer.¹

References

1. Michael AJ Sawyer, MD. Achalasia (eMedicine)
2. P. Marco Fisichella, MD. Achalasia (eMedicine)

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• Acute Peritonitis
• Constipation
• Copper-associated Hepatitis
• Cricopharyngeal Dysfunction
• Esophageal Achalasia
• Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency
• Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (Bloat)
• Gluten-sensitive Enteropathy
• Hepatic Fibrosis
• Hepatic Encephalopathy
• Histiocytic Ulcerative Colitis
• Megaesophagus
• Pyloric Stenosis

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