Barium Swallow Picked Up After Achalasia?. Is It Fairly Fixable?

Posted on Sat, 29 Jun 2013

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Fri, 28 Jun 2013 Answered on

Mon, 22 Jul 2013 Last reviewed on

Question : My doctor says that from my barium swallow it picked up that i have achalasia? Is it fairly fixable? He said my small bowel was okay and stomach was okay?

Answered by Dr. Dr.Raju.A.T (-1 hours later)

Hi,

Thanks for your query.

Achalasia /achalasia cardiae is an esophageal motility disorder involving the smooth muscle layer of the esophagus and the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). Here the XXXXXXX fail to relax completely causing obstruction. The above part of the esophagus where the smooth muscle layer is weak swells like a balloon when food is consumed.

Yes, the condition is fixable but with surgery.

Yes, most of times the condition affects the esophagus alone and the rest part of the gastro intestinal system is good.

Hope, I answered your query.

Please let me know if there are any other concerns.

Regards,

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar