Introduction
Achalasia cardia is a rare condition in which the oesophagus fails to effectively push food down into the stomach. The valve at the end of the food pipe also doesn't open completely, thus causing food to get caught, failing to enter the stomach.
The disease gradually develops over time and people generally ignore the symptoms due to its resemblance to heartburn. Although the disease is rare, doctors can treat it with achalasia cardia surgery.
Because of the similarity of symptoms, patients get confused between achalasia and heartburn, preventing them from seeking timely medical help. Therefore, this blog examines and debunks the myths regarding the conditions.
Know the Difference - Achalasia cardia & Heartburn
A patient can experience trouble swallowing in both these conditions and feel that food is backing up into the throat. However, there are differences between the two conditions that patients should keep in mind.
These are -
A patient experiences heartburn when the stomach acid regurgitates backward into the food pipe, causing burning and pain. On the other hand, achalasia cardia is a rare disorder that prevents oesophagus muscles from relaxing and pushing food down into the stomach.
Burning in the throat, chest pain and difficulty swallowing are heartburn signs. However, heartburn is one of the symptoms of achalasia cardia, says an achalasia cardia surgeon.
If patients feel that the stomach contents are coming back up after they swallow, it is likely due to acid reflux and heartburn. However, if patients experience trouble swallowing the food and feel that they are getting stuck in the oesophagus it may be achalasia cardia. It is better to visit a doctor for the correct diagnosis and treatment.
When to go to a doctor?
When a person experiences the following symptoms, they should consult a doctor -
chest pain after meals
regurgitation of food back up into the throat
heartburn
Treatment for Achalasia
Achalasia cardia treatment involves –
Pneumatic Dilation – This procedure involves inflating a balloon in your oesophagus to open the lower oesophageal sphincter.
Botox injection – This procedure involves botox injections to relax the sphincter muscle, causing it to open.
Achalasia cardia surgery - Achalasia cardia surgery, also known as Heller myotomy, is one of the most common and trusted treatment methods. This surgical procedure makes a hole in the lower oesophageal sphincter to allow food to pass into the stomach easily. Among the surgical procedures, achalasia cardia laparoscopy surgery provides the best and long-lasting results.
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