General information, not an individual diagnosis. Ask a healthcare professional if you are unsure about your situation.
Achalasia is an oesophageal movement disorder. The passage into the stomach opens poorly and contractions are abnormal, potentially obstructing food passage.
Food sticking, regurgitation and vomiting have several possible causes. Endoscopy with samples and other tests avoid making a diagnosis from symptoms alone.
Manometry measures pressures and contractions. High-resolution manometry confirms the diagnosis and identifies the achalasia type, which helps guide treatment.
Options include endoscopic dilation, surgical myotomy and myotomy through the mouth, called POEM. Choice depends particularly on the type identified.
POEM divides muscle fibres through a tunnel within the oesophageal wall. Having no skin scar does not remove the need for anaesthesia or aftercare planning.
Reflux can develop after myotomy. Ask about food instructions, unusual symptoms to report and follow-up arrangements instead of assuming recovery ends monitoring.
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