#Achalasia

[fakeymcnamerson-blog]

WTF I JUST FOUND OUT CARL SAGAN HAD THE SAME RARE DISEASE I HAVE

[drugcarts]

A rare disorder making it difficult for food and liquid to pass into the stomach.

[wishesmsg]

Achalasia

Overview

Achalasia is a rare disorder that affects the esophagus, the muscular tube that connects the throat to the stomach. It is characterized by the inability of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), a ring of muscle at the bottom of the esophagus, to relax and allow food and liquids to pass into the stomach. Symptoms of achalasia typically include difficulty swallowing, regurgitation of undigested food, chest pain, heartburn, and weight loss. These symptoms may worsen over time if left untreated. The exact cause of achalasia is not known, but it is believed to be a result of damage to the nerves in the esophagus that control the muscles involved in swallowing. There may also be a genetic component to the disorder. Achalasia is diagnosed through a variety of tests, including an esophageal manometry to measure the pressure in the esophagus and an endoscopy to examine the inside of the esophagus and stomach. Treatment options include medication, minimally invasive procedures such as balloon dilation or botulinum toxin injection, or surgery to cut the LES muscle. With proper treatment, most people with achalasia can manage their symptoms and lead a normal life. However, some people may experience complications such as aspiration pneumonia, esophageal perforation, or a slightly increased risk of esophageal cancer.

Symptoms

- Difficulty swallowing: This is the most common symptom of achalasia. Patients may feel that food or liquids get stuck in the chest or throat. - Regurgitation of undigested food: This occurs when food and liquids are brought back up into the mouth from the esophagus. - Chest pain: Patients may experience a sensation of pressure or discomfort in the chest, especially after eating. - Heartburn: This is a burning sensation in the chest or throat, caused by stomach acid flowing back into the esophagus. - Weight loss: This can occur if patients are unable to eat enough food due to difficulty swallowing. - Coughing or choking: This may occur if food or liquids get stuck in the throat or esophagus. - Fatigue: Patients may experience fatigue due to the effort required to swallow food and liquids. It is important to note that these symptoms can be indicative of other disorders as well, so it is important to seek medical attention if experiencing any of these symptoms.

Causes

The exact cause of achalasia is not fully understood. However, it is believed to be caused by damage to the nerves in the esophagus that control the muscles involved in swallowing, as well as by degeneration of the muscles themselves. There may also be a genetic component to the disorder. Other potential contributing factors to the development of achalasia include: - Autoimmune disorders: Some research suggests that autoimmune disorders may play a role in the development of achalasia, as the disorder is more common in people with other autoimmune diseases. - Viral infections: Some viruses, such as herpes simplex virus and varicella-zoster virus, have been linked to the development of achalasia. - Environmental factors: Exposure to certain environmental toxins and chemicals may also increase the risk of developing achalasia. It is important to note that while these factors may contribute to the development of achalasia, they are not the sole cause of the disorder. More research is needed to fully understand the underlying causes of achalasia.

When to see a doctor

If you experience difficulty swallowing or any other symptoms of achalasia, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent complications and improve outcomes. You should see a doctor if you experience any of the following: - Difficulty swallowing or a feeling of food getting stuck in your chest or throat - Regurgitation of undigested food - Chest pain, heartburn or acid reflux - Unintentional weight loss - Coughing or choking while eating or drinking - Persistent or severe fatigue - Recurring pneumonia or respiratory infections If you have been diagnosed with achalasia, it is important to work closely with your doctor to manage the condition and prevent complications. You may need to undergo regular monitoring and screening for complications such as aspiration pneumonia, esophageal perforation, Barrett's esophagus, and esophageal cancer.

Risk factors

While the exact cause of achalasia is unknown, there are several factors that may increase the risk of developing the disorder. These include: - Age: Achalasia is most commonly diagnosed in people between the ages of 25 and 60. - Genetics: There may be a genetic component to achalasia, as the disorder can sometimes run in families. - Autoimmune disorders: People with autoimmune disorders, such as lupus or scleroderma, have a higher risk of developing achalasia. - Environmental factors: Exposure to certain environmental toxins and chemicals may increase the risk of developing achalasia. - Infections: Some viral infections, such as herpes simplex virus and varicella-zoster virus, have been linked to the development of achalasia. - Obesity: Being overweight or obese may increase the risk of developing achalasia. - Gender: Achalasia is slightly more common in women than in men. It's important to note that having one or more of these risk factors does not necessarily mean that a person will develop achalasia. Conversely, some people with achalasia may not have any of these risk factors.

Complications

If left untreated, achalasia can lead to several complications, including: - Malnutrition: Difficulty swallowing can make it hard for people with achalasia to consume enough nutrients, leading to malnutrition. - Aspiration pneumonia: When food or liquid is inhaled into the lungs, it can lead to a type of pneumonia called aspiration pneumonia. - Esophageal perforation: In rare cases, the esophagus may tear or perforate as a result of pressure from trapped food and liquids. - Barrett's esophagus: Over time, people with achalasia may be at a slightly increased risk of developing Barrett's esophagus, a condition in which the cells in the lining of the esophagus change and become precancerous. - Esophageal cancer: While the risk of developing esophageal cancer is only slightly higher in people with achalasia, it is still important for people with the disorder to undergo regular monitoring and screening for the condition. It is important for people with achalasia to seek medical attention if they experience any symptoms of the disorder. Early treatment can help prevent complications and improve outcomes. Read the full article

[sharkwhale]

Yes!!!

And furthermore, Dysphagia is often just a symptom or sign—the first one, even—of other conditions of the throat/esophagus.

It can also have a very slow progression (like months or years slow) that can seem to feel the same for a while before suddenly getting just a bit worse… again… and again… and again… over and over. So if you’re like me from a few years ago, and feel at this time like you’re “managing it” whenever your food sticks by, say:

Drinking water

Tilting your head back

Stretching

Getting up to walk around

…well, you might be managing it right now, but…

…managing is not the same as treatment, and untreated problems tend to get worse.

Since this problem is happening to a VERY IMPORTANT part of your body, it’s a very important problem to address. So PLEASE talk to your doctor about treating it.

Take it from someone who just got diagnosed with Achalasia this week, after years of dealing with swallowing problems which kept gradually worsening despite every attempted “management strategy”, diet change, and acid reflux treatment—you DON’T want to be like me and keep waiting around to get better treatment for an essential part of your body. It took me until the point of becoming underweight and stuck eating a miserably restrictive puréed-food diet to recognize how much I needed better treatment. It SUCKS to be at this point, so PLEASE take care of yourself so you don’t potentially end up in an equally sucky situation.

TLDR: If you can’t swallow food or drink normally, TALK TO YOUR DOCTOR ABOUT TREATING THAT. Swallowing is an important function of your body, essential to your health and survival—if you aren’t able to eat/drink properly, your whole body can suffer.

hello world!!!

I want to talk to you about swallowing (not in a sexual light)

swallowing is supposed to be:

efortless

automatic

painless

and should happen without conscious thought

choking is supposed to be infrequent

if that does not sound like your swallowing experience you are probably part of the 5-15% of the population that has dysphagia. if your swallowing is bothering you then you can (and should) bring up your concerns to a doctor

swallowing is not supposed to be difficult!

[boostventilator]

For My Health

*Freeze frame* *Record scratch* The view from my hospital bed. Yup, that’s me. You’re probably wondering how I ended up in this situation. This is a failure of sorts. Not hereditary, so I can’t blame my family. No known cause or trigger, so no big regrets. I sleep with a wedge and have an eating schedule that rivals a Mogwai—no late-night snacks. No prevention, no cure—just a wonky lower…

[drhitendrakgarg]

Struggling with swallowing, chest pain, or unexpected weight loss? It could be Achalasia—a rare disorder that affects the esophagus, making it difficult for food to reach your stomach. 🌱 Swipe through to learn more about the symptoms and why early diagnosis is key to relief. Don’t ignore the signs—your health matters!

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Schedule a consultation: Dr. Hitendra K Garg

📲 8920361841, 8920632657 

📲 Follow us: @drhitendragarg

Visit: www.drhitendrakgarg.com

.

[txhospitals123]

Esophageal Manometry Procedure for GERD, Achalasia & More | Best Hospital in Hyderabad

Get a safe and minimally invasive Esophageal Manometry Procedure to diagnose GERD, achalasia, esophageal spasms, and hiatal hernias. Contact TX Hospital, the Best gastroenterology hospital in Hyderabad, for expert diagnosis and treatment of esophageal conditions.https://txhospitals.in/specialities/gastro-sciences/procedures/esophageal-manometry/

[maroonbreeze]

I'm recovering form acute gastritis. I'm healing and so mucg in thirst. Waking up in the middle of night for nightly time quest for juices. So far i have finished in the span of 5 days a orange mango yoghurt, red syrup mixed with water, sarsi mixed with water, soya, watermelon, iced lemon tea, apple juice, and lots and lots of medium chilled water.

[frankiebirds]

reid's face when he sees himself in the mirror is going to make me sob. the things that must be going through his head. (am i really about to do this? who am i looking at?)

[boostventilator]

*Record scratch*

*Freeze frame*

This is a failure of sorts. Not hereditary, so I can’t blame my family. No known cause or trigger, so no big regrets. I sleep with a wedge and have an eating schedule that rivals a Mogwai—no late-night snacks. No prevention, no cure—just a wonky lower esophageal sphincter (LES). Treatments? Scopes, balloons, Botox—you name it, I’ve tried it.

It’s called Esophageal Achalasia. No hashtags or TikTok challenges for this one. It’s rare, but not that rare—about 1 in 100,000. We're talking dying in a commercial plane crash or being born polydactyly…being struck by lightning twice or finding a five-leaf clover. Ok, maybe that is rare but not a one in a million type thing, so stay vigilant!

About 12 years ago, I noticed I was struggling with certain foods. I assumed it was diet-related. I also had this persistent cough, which I blamed on post-nasal drip. I tried an elimination diet—nothing changed. Visits to doctors didn’t reveal much at first. Eventually, an ENT ruled out ears and nose, and the gastro team stepped in. A barium swallow X-ray finally showed what was going on…and the bird’s beak looked like the picture on the Wikipedia page.



Fast forward to now. After years of managing this condition with copious amounts of water and will to eat, I decided it was time for long-term treatment. I just had a Heller Myotomy with Dor Fundoplication…a modernized 110-year-old procedure which puts the “fun” in acid reflux. There’s another option called a per-oral endoscopic myotomy (POEM for short) but it’s not available locally.

[lupineheart]

[drhitendrakgarg]

Are you or someone you know suffering from Achalasia? Discover the transformative benefits of POEM (Peroral Endoscopic Myotomy)! 🌟

✨ Why Choose POEM?

Enjoy a faster recovery and get back to your life sooner.

Experience less blood loss during the procedure.

Benefit from a minimally invasive technique.

Spend less time in the hospital with a shorter stay.

POEM is a safe procedure with a low risk of complications.

Feel less pain compared to other treatments.

Take control of your health and explore POEM for a smoother, quicker, and more comfortable journey to wellness. 💪

.

Schedule a consultation at Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals 

Visit: www.drhitendrakgarg.com

For Consultation : Dr. Hitendra K Garg

📲 8920361841, 8920632657 

[infernape]

anyways my test result came back all normal :) my esophagus is normal :) i’m actually fine guys and i don’t throw up in my mouth 15 times a day :)!

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[tremendouspersonarbiter]

GERD: All You Need to Know

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) is a common digestive disorder that affects millions of people worldwide, including in India. It happens when stomach acid frequently flows back into the tube connecting your mouth and stomach (oesophagus). This backwash can irritate the lining of your oesophagus and cause discomfort. If you are experiencing frequent acid reflux or heartburn, it’s important to seek expert medical advice. In Hyderabad, Dr. N.S. Babu is one of the most trusted and experienced gastroenterologist surgeons providing effective treatment for GERD and other gastrointestinal conditions.

Symptoms of GERD:

GERD symptoms can range from mild to severe and can interfere with your daily life. Some common symptoms include:

Frequent heartburn

Chest pain

Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)

Regurgitation of food or sour liquid

Chronic cough

Sore throat or hoarseness

If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s crucial to consult a specialist like Dr. N.S. Babu in Hyderabad for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Causes of GERD:

Several factors can contribute to the development of GERD, such as:

Obesity

Pregnancy

Hiatal hernia

Smoking

Consuming large meals or lying down right after eating

Eating fatty or spicy foods

Drinking alcohol, coffee, or carbonated drinks

Identifying the root cause with the help of an expert like Dr. N.S. Babu can make a significant difference in managing the condition effectively.

Diagnosis and Treatment of GERD:

When you visit Dr. N.S. Babu at Apollo Hospital Hyderabad or Evoke Clinic in Hyderabad, he conducts a thorough evaluation to diagnose GERD accurately. Tests may include:

Endoscopy

pH monitoring

X-rays of your upper digestive system

Once the diagnosis is confirmed, Dr. N.S. Babu provides personalized treatment plans based on the severity of your condition. Treatment options include:

Lifestyle Changes: Maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding trigger foods, and not lying down immediately after meals.

Medications: Antacids, H2 blockers, and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) to reduce stomach acid production.

Surgical Options: In severe cases where medication and lifestyle changes don’t work, surgical interventions like fundoplication may be recommended. Dr. N.S. Babu is a highly skilled gastroenterologist surgeon in Hyderabad with extensive experience in performing advanced laparoscopic surgeries.

Why Choose Dr. N.S. Babu?

When it comes to GERD treatment in Hyderabad, Dr. N.S. Babu stands out for several reasons:

Expertise and Experience: Over 15 years of experience in treating gastrointestinal disorders.

Advanced Techniques: Skilled in laparoscopic and minimally invasive surgeries.

Patient-Centric Approach: Provides comprehensive care from diagnosis to post-treatment follow-up.

State-of-the-Art Facilities: Consults at leading hospitals like Apollo Hospital Hyderabad and Evoke Clinic in Hyderabad.

Personalized Care: Tailors treatment plans based on individual patient needs.

Consult Dr. N.S. Babu Today:

If you are suffering from symptoms of GERD or any other gastrointestinal issues, don’t wait for the condition to worsen. Dr. N.S. Babu provides world-class treatment at Apollo Hospital Hyderabad and Evoke Clinic in Hyderabad. His expertise as a gastroenterologist surgeon ensures you receive the best possible care.

For any questions or to book an appointment, consult Dr. N.S. Babu today and take the first step towards better digestive health.