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  1. UAMS Health
  2. Conditions
  3. Achalasia

Condition: Achalasia

Achalasia is a condition that makes it hard for food to pass from your esophagus to your stomach.

Causes

There is a muscular ring at the point where the esophagus and stomach meet. It is called the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). Normally, this muscle relaxes when you swallow to allow food to pass into the stomach. In people with achalasia, it does not relax as it should. In addition, the normal muscle activity of the esophagus (peristalsis) is reduced or absent.

This problem is caused by damage to the nerves of the esophagus.

Other problems can cause similar symptoms, such as cancer of the esophagus or upper stomach, and a parasite infection that causes Chagas disease.

Achalasia is rare. It may occur at any age, but is most common in people ages 25 to 60. In some people, the problem may be inherited.

Contents

  • Treatments & Procedures
  • Make an Appointment

Treatments and Procedures Related to Achalasia

UAMS providers perform and prescribe a broad range of treatments and procedures, some of which may not be listed below.

  • Botox Injections
  • Heller Myotomy

Make an Appointment

Request an appointment by contacting a clinic directly or by calling the UAMS Health appointment line at (501) 686-8000.

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Mailing Address: 4301 West Markham Street, Little Rock, AR 72205
Phone: (501) 686-7000
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