Achalasia

In contrast to GORD, but with some overlapping symptoms, is a condition known as achalasia, which is caused by high pressure coupled with failure of the LOS to relax, resulting in the chronic and progressive obstruction of the passage of oesophageal contents into the stomach.

Achalasia occurs in middle-to-late adult life and is caused by the degeneration of Auerbach’s plexus, which is responsible for muscle contraction within the walls of the intestine, preventing relaxation of the LOS in response to food in the oesophagus.

Symptoms of achalasia include dysphagia (problems in swallowing) and chest pain due to dilation of the oesophagus. If the oesophageal contents spill into the windpipe, a condition known as aspiration pneumonia can occur.

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