The oesophageal sphincter, which is a ring-like muscle that connects the oesophagus to the stomach, plays a crucial role in eating and drinking. This muscle expands to allow foods and liquids to pass through, and contracts at other times to prevent stomach acids from flowing backwards.
Achalasia occurs when the oesophageal sphincter fails to expand while eating or drinking, which can lead to major health effects. When it comes to treatment, medications may be recommended, but only when other remedies are not an option.
Most people with achalasia must undergo surgery to repair the issue. These procedures help relax the oesophageal sphincter to facilitate improved eating and drinking.
In the event that a person is not able to tolerate achalasia surgeries, Botox injections may be recommended. Botox prevents spasms by relaxing muscles, and one injection usually affords about six months of relief before the treatment must be repeated. Medications like muscle relaxants can also have a similar effect on the oesophageal sphincter.
While effective, repeated Botox injections create complications if a person later decides to have surgery. As for medications, they’re not as effective as other treatments, and some come with a risk of serious side effects. For instance, side effects related to the muscle relaxant nitro-glycerine include low blood pressure, decreased heartbeat, fatigue, and headache.
No matter what type of treatment you ultimately receive, the following steps can also help manage the effects of achalasia:
While achalasia cannot be cured, combining medical treatment with lifestyle changes can help greatly improve symptoms.