Achalasia is a term used to describe a disorder of the tube that carries food from the mouth to the stomach (esophagus), which disturbs the ability of the esophagus to move food towards the stomach.

Quick Facts

  • primary esophageal motility disorder
  • A rare disease of the esophagus and stomach
  • characterized by failure of a hypertensive LES to relax and the absence of esophageal peristalsis
  • Achalasia means failure to relax
  • Disables the functionality of the lower esophagus sphincter
  • Causes difficulty opening and letting the food pass into the stomach
  • Causes difficulty swallowing the food
  • More of a functional problem rather than mechanical one
  • Causes a functional obstruction at the gastroesophageal junction