Achalasia is a disorder of the esophagus where it loses the ability to move food along. The valve at the end of the gullet also fails to open and allow food to pass into your stomach. As a result, food gets stuck in your esophagus and is often brought back up. Achalasia is chronic disease in which the nerve function deteriorates over time.
The symptoms of achalasia are similar to those of gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD), and they typically appear gradually. Most people with this disorder experience an impairment in the ability to swallow (dysphagia) as a major and early symptom.
The underlying disease cannot be cured but there are various ways to relieve symptoms which can improve swallowing and eating. Approximately 70% of cases of achalasia may be treated effectively by the enlargement of the lower esophageal sphincter muscle through a procedure known as pneumatic balloon dilation.
In many people, repeated dilations may be necessary to obtain improvement of symptoms.
Dr Papageorgiou has the necessary expertise to provide the necessary care to patients suffering of this fortunately uncommon condition.