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Esophageal motility
disorder
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Normal |
Abnormal |
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- Achalasia is a
disorder in which the
normal wavelike movements of the smooth muscles of the
esophagus (i.e. peristalsis) -- which help to
propel food along -- do not work properly.
- In addition, the lower esophageal sphincter (i.e., LES) --
the opening between the esophagus and stomach --
does not open properly because it cannot relax when
swallowing, resulting in spasms. These two problems create
difficulty or inability to swallow solid food. The ability
to swallow liquids may be affected as
well.
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- Tests that might be done:
- Chest X-Ray may show a fluid-filled
esophagus
- Barium swallow
- Endoscopy (physician looks with
camera scope into esophagus)
- Esophageal manometry (special test
for evaluating proper function and pressure in the
esophagus)
- Blood tests may show
anemia.
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- Botulism toxin
injection --
this is done in the esophageal sphincter
(connection between the esophagus and stomach). This relaxes
the esophageal sphincter and allows food/liquids to pass
more easily.
- Medications such as Calcium channel
blockers and nitrates can help in some cases to lower LES
pressure.
- Pneumatic dilation -- a balloon is
inflated to open the esophageal sphincter so food/liquid can
pass more easily.
- Surgical myotomy -- the muscles of the
esophageal sphincter are cut, allowing food/liquid to pass.
This is usually only done when the above treatments fail.
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