Living with Idiopathic achalasia
A swallowing condition in which the tube from the mouth to the stomach doesn't move food down well.
Understanding Idiopathic achalasia
The esophagus becomes enlarged and has trouble pushing food down (peristalsis). The ring-shaped muscle at its bottom (the lower esophageal sphincter) doesn't relax. It can start at any time in life.
Signs & symptoms
Symptoms vary from person to person. GARD lists these among the most common:
- Trouble swallowing (dysphagia)
- Chest pain
- Acid reflux
- Cough
- Weight loss
- Bronchitis
Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.
Diagnosis
- 1Talk with your doctor
Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.
- 2See a specialist
Specialists who may be involved include digestive system specialists.
- 3Ask which tests can help
Your care team will decide which exams and tests can confirm the diagnosis.
- 4Connect with expert centers
Association of Gastrointestinal Motility Disorders may keep lists of experts for this condition.
Care & treatment
- Care team
- Digestive system specialists (gastroenterologists)
- Expert care
- Expert lists: Association of Gastrointestinal Motility Disorders
- Treatment
- GARD doesn't list specific treatments for this condition. Your care team will tailor care to your symptoms.
- Research
- Clinical trials and observational studies may be options. See the research section below.
General information, not medical advice. Your care team makes the decisions.
Everyday life
Living with a rare condition is easier with support.
- Connect with Association of Gastrointestinal Motility Disorders and other patient organizations
- Keep notes on symptoms, changes and questions for appointments
- Ask about patient registries that help research
- Look into financial aid and travel resources for care visits
Quick facts
The exact cause is unknown, but symptoms come from damage to the nerves of the esophagus. Family studies suggest a possible genetic role. When one is suspected, it is called familial esophageal achalasia.
Also known as: achalasia cardia; idiopathic achalasia of esophagus; idiopathic achalasia of oesophagus; primary achalasia
Patient organizations
- Association of Gastrointestinal Motility DisordersIdiopathic achalasia · United States
- Achalasia Awareness OrganizationIdiopathic achalasia · United States
- Martin Mueller IV Achalasia Awareness Foundation, IncIdiopathic achalasia · United States
You are more than your diagnosis
Perspectives from people navigating life with Idiopathic achalasia.
Explore research for Idiopathic achalasia
Explore actively recruiting Idiopathic achalasia studies with HealthSpark.
Find actively recruiting studies for Idiopathic achalasia with HealthSpark. Share your city to explore research near you.
- Recruiting studies from ClinicalTrials.gov
- Share your city to look for research near you
- Eligibility is confirmed by the study team
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Powered by HealthSpark, our AI chat helper · Study information from ClinicalTrials.gov · Eligibility is confirmed by the study team.
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