Akalasia

Coutii Healthy - Akalasia is a condition of the loss of the ability of the esophagus (esophagus) to push food or drink from the mouth to the stomach. The disease is classified as a rare disease and can attack people of various ages, both men and women.

The Cause Of Akalasia

Akalasia occurs when the nerves on the walls of the esophagus connects the mouth with the hull damaged and cease to function normally. Generally, the muscles of the lower part of the esophagus (lower esophageal sphincter/LES) opens automatically so that the food can go into the stomach. But in people with akalasia, LES does not open and close normally, so the food is piled up at the bottom of the esophagus or the ride back to the base of the esophagus.

The main cause of destruction of the LES is not yet known for sure. However, there are several factors that are thought to potentially increase the risk of the occurrence of akalasia, among other things:

1. Disorders of the immune system. Akalasia allegedly caused the error of the immune system that attacks the nerve cells of the esophagus, so the nerves of the esophagus has decreased function.
2. Hereditary factors. Akalasia allegedly descended from parents who have experienced akalasia.
3. Virus infection. For example the herpes virus.

Symptoms Akalasia

Akalasia symptoms appear gradually. Over time, the function of the esophagus will be increasingly weak and appear some symptoms as follows:

1. Dysphagia, sufferers of the condition when akalasia the difficulty, even in pain, when swallowing food or drink.
2. Heartburn, is a sense of heat or sharp pain in the solar plexus due to stomach acid up into the esophagus.
3. Regurgitation, a condition when the food or drink back up into the throat.
4. Chest pain.
5. Vomit flowing or dripping from the mouth.
6. Weight loss.
7. If symptoms continue to akalasia left without treatment, then it will increase the risk of cancer of the esophagus.

Diagnosis Of Akalasia

Akalasia has similar symptoms with other digestive disorder symptoms. As a first step, the doctor will examine the medical history and symptoms that patients experience. Then, the doctor will perform a physical examination to see the function mainly swallowing sufferers.

To ensure the diagnosis, the doctor will likely perform a follow-up examination, among others:

1. Esofagografi. One type of Imaging tests to get the detail pictures of the esophagus. Patients will be asked to swallow the liquid dye (contrast) substances containing barium, allowing the esophagus can be clearly visible when the x-rays. Normally, the diameter of the esophagus looks pretty wide and barium looks smooth entering the stomach. However, it is not the case in people with akalasia.
2. Manometri. Small and flexible plastic tube will be inserted through the nose into the esophagus. This tool will record activity and strength of muscle contraction, and examine the pressure which appeared in LES.
3. Endoscopy. A flexible instrument accompanied the camera at the end will be inserted into the lower part of the esophagus so that the doctor can check the condition of the walls of the esophagus and stomach.

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