“Achalasia-Cardia” is a rare disease, but the number of patients diagnosed with Achalasia-Cardia is increasing day by day. In achalasia, “A” stands for “no,” and “Chalasia” refers to the relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). Achalasia, also known as Achalasia Cardia, is a condition in which the esophagus, the tube that carries food from the mouth to the stomach, is unable to move food into the stomach. The lower esophageal sphincter(LES) is a ring of muscle fibers that surrounds the lower end of the esophagus where it joins the stomach and acts as a valve to control the backflow of food. In individuals with achalasia, the LES fails to relax during swallowing, causing food to be stuck up in the esophagus.
Over the past year, Kaizen Gastro Care experts have treated more than 100 patients suffering from Achalasia-Cardia, indicating a significant number of patients with Achalasia-Cardia disease. Kaizen Gastro Care offers advanced and comprehensive treatment and management for the Achalasia-Cardia condition. What sets Kaizen Gastro Care apart is that both expert endoscopists, Dr. Vikrant Kale and advanced laparoscopic surgeon Dr. Samrat Jankar, who specialize in endoscopy and laparoscopy, work under one roof, minimizing any bias towards a particular procedure. Kaizen Gastro Care is renowned as the best center for achalasia treatment in Pune.
On this page, Dr. Vikrant Kale and Dr. Samrat Jankar share information about the development, problems, and treatment options for Achalasia-Cardia.
To understand what happens in Achalasia Cardia, let us first understand the normal process of swallowing.
Normal swallowing:
Normal swallowing involves rhythmic contractions of the muscles in the food pipe, also known as peristalsis, which pushes food down the food pipe. Additionally, the Lower Esophageal Sphincter (LES) valve located at the lower end of the food pipe relaxes and opens to allow food to pass into the stomach. Once the food reaches the stomach, the LES valve closes tightly, controlling the reflux of food and acid from the stomach back into the food pipe. This proper functioning of the LES valve is important to control acid reflux, which can induce ulcers in the food pipe and lead to heartburn.
Know more about Achalasia Cardia from Experts:
What are the symptoms of Achalasia-Cardia?
The most common sign of achalasia is difficulty swallowing. Also, the Patient can experience Other symptoms that may include:
- Difficulty in swallowing food or even water
- The sensation of food stuck up in the chest.
- Regurgitation of undigested food from mouth and nose
- Noncardiac chest pain
- Gradual weight loss.
- Some may face pneumonia and
- You can also face vomiting.
How did Kaizen Gastro Care diagnose Achalasia-Cardia?
Achalasia can sometimes be misdiagnosed in its early stages, as its symptoms can be like other digestive disorders. The initial tests for patients complaining of swallowing problems usually include an endoscopy and barium study. If you visit Kaizen Gastro Care in Wakad for these symptoms, our experts, Dr. Vikrant Kale and Dr. Samart Jankar may recommend further tests to confirm the diagnosis of Achalasia-Cardia, such as:
- Upper endoscopy: This test can help rule out malignant lesions and assess for achalasia. Dr. Vikrant Kale at Kaizen Gastro Care will insert a thin, flexible tube equipped with a light and camera (endoscope) down your throat to examine the inside of your esophagus and stomach. Endoscopy can also be used to identify any partial blockage of the esophagus if your symptoms or barium study results suggest that possibility.
- Barium study: A barium swallow is another useful investigation, during which you swallow a solution containing barium. X-rays are then taken to ensure the non-relaxation of the achalasia cardia.
- Oesophageal manometry: This test can confirm the diagnosis of achalasia. At Kaizen Gastro Care, Dr. Rupali Bandgar, an expert gastro physiologist, performs Esophageal High-resolution Manometry, in which a thin probe is passed through the esophagus to assess the peristalsis and lower esophageal sphincter relaxation during swallowing. Kaizen Gastro Care is a renowned center for esophageal manometry, where Dr. Rupali Bandgar not only confirms the diagnosis of achalasia cardia but also interprets the type of achalasia, which is crucial in determining the treatment plan.
Best Achalasia-Cardia Treatment at the Kaizen Gastro Care, Pune:
