Achalasia Treatment in Katy, TX
Achalasia is a rare swallowing disorder that affects the ability of the esophagus to move food and liquids into the stomach. It occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter does not relax properly during swallowing, which can lead to difficulty swallowing, regurgitation, chest discomfort, coughing, and unintended weight loss. At Katy Integrative Gastroenterology, our gastroenterology team provides personalized evaluation for patients experiencing symptoms that may be associated with achalasia and other esophageal disorders.
If you have persistent difficulty swallowing, regurgitation of undigested food, unexplained weight loss, or recurring chest discomfort, a gastroenterologist in Katy, TX can evaluate your symptoms and determine whether additional testing is appropriate. Accurate diagnosis can help distinguish achalasia from GERD and other conditions that may cause similar symptoms and guide an individualized treatment plan.
What is Achalasia?
Achalasia, also known as esophageal achalasia, is a condition in which the esophagus (a tube that carries food from the mouth to the stomach) is unable to move the food into the stomach. A lower oesophageal sphincter is a ring of muscle fibers that surrounds the lower-most end of the esophagus where it joins the stomach. LES acts like a valve between the esophagus and stomach, preventing food from moving backward into the esophagus. In people with achalasia, the LES fails to relax during swallowing, resulting in the food moving backward into the esophagus.
Symptoms of Achalasia
The main symptoms of achalasia include:
- Difficulty in swallowing (dysphagia),
- Regurgitation of food,
- Heartburn,
- Weight loss
- Chest pain
- Cough.
Diagnosis of Achalasia
Your doctor may order the following tests to diagnose achalasia:
- Barium swallow test: The test involves swallowing a barium preparation while X-rays are taken. The barium coats the walls of the esophagus and stomach and makes the abnormalities visible more clearly.
- Endoscopy: This test allows the doctor to examine the inside of the patient's esophagus, stomach, and portions of the intestine, with an instrument, called an endoscope, a thin, flexible, lighted tube.
- Manometry: It is a test that measures changes in pressure exerted by the oesophageal sphincter.
Treatment for Achalasia
Treatment options for achalasia include:
- Medications: Medications such as nitrates and calcium channel blockers are recommended to relax the lower esophagus sphincter.
- Botox: Botulinum toxin injection can be administered to help relax the sphincter muscles
- Balloon dilation (pneumatic dilatation): A small balloon is positioned at the LES and inflated in order to widen the opening for food to enter the stomach.
- Myotomy: It is a surgical procedure in which the sphincter muscle is cut to allow the esophagus to open.
Depending on your condition your doctor will decide which treatment is right for you.
Why Choose Katy Integrative Gastroenterology for Achalasia in Katy, TX?
Choosing a gastroenterology practice for achalasia care involves more than addressing difficulty swallowing alone. At Katy Integrative Gastroenterology, our team takes a comprehensive approach to evaluating esophageal symptoms and identifying conditions that may interfere with normal swallowing.
We take the time to understand your symptoms, medical history, and individual concerns before recommending diagnostic testing or treatment. Depending on your condition, evaluation may include upper GI endoscopy, a barium swallow study, esophageal manometry, or other appropriate testing to assess the structure and function of the esophagus.
Our practice also takes an integrative approach to digestive health, incorporating gastroenterology, nutrition, and functional medicine when appropriate. This allows our team to consider nutritional health, eating difficulties, and overall wellness while developing an individualized approach to managing achalasia.
Patients in Katy, Houston, and surrounding communities can access comprehensive digestive care from a team focused on personalized evaluation, appropriate treatment planning, and long-term gastrointestinal health.
Achalasia FAQs
What are the most common symptoms of achalasia?
Difficulty swallowing both solid foods and liquids is one of the most common symptoms of achalasia. Other symptoms may include regurgitation of undigested food, chest discomfort, coughing, heartburn-like symptoms, and unintended weight loss.
What causes achalasia?
Achalasia occurs when nerves involved in controlling the muscles of the esophagus become damaged or stop functioning normally. This prevents the lower esophageal sphincter from relaxing properly during swallowing. The exact reason this nerve damage develops is not always known.
How is achalasia diagnosed?
Achalasia may be evaluated using esophageal manometry, a barium swallow study, and upper GI endoscopy. Esophageal manometry is particularly important for assessing how the esophageal muscles and lower esophageal sphincter function during swallowing.
Can achalasia be treated?
Yes. Although treatment does not restore normal nerve function, several approaches can help the lower esophageal sphincter relax or open more effectively so food and liquids can pass into the stomach. Treatment may include pneumatic dilation, botulinum toxin injections, medications, or procedures that involve cutting the lower esophageal sphincter muscle.
Is achalasia the same as acid reflux?
No. Achalasia and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) are different conditions, although some symptoms may overlap. GERD involves stomach contents flowing back into the esophagus, while achalasia primarily affects the ability of the lower esophageal sphincter to relax and allow food to enter the stomach.
When should I see a gastroenterologist for difficulty swallowing?
You should consider seeing a gastroenterologist if you have persistent or worsening difficulty swallowing, frequent regurgitation, unexplained weight loss, or recurring chest discomfort. Prompt evaluation is particularly important when swallowing problems interfere with eating or drinking.
Schedule an Achalasia Consultation in Katy, TX
If difficulty swallowing, regurgitation, chest discomfort, or other esophageal symptoms are affecting your daily life, Katy Integrative Gastroenterology can help evaluate your symptoms and discuss appropriate diagnostic and treatment options.
Our gastroenterology team provides personalized digestive care for patients in Katy, Houston, and surrounding communities. Contact our office to schedule a consultation and learn more about evaluation and care for achalasia in Katy, TX.
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