Achalasia Cardia
At Kaizen Gastro Care, we provide advanced and comprehensive care for patients suffering from achalasia cardia, a rare esophageal motility disorder. Led by Dr. Rupali Bandgar-Jankar, a highly skilled consultant gastrophysiologist, our team offers expert diagnosis and treatment options tailored to each patient’s unique needs. Our approach to achalasia cardia includes state-of-the-art diagnostic techniques, such as high-resolution esophageal manometry and barium swallow studies, to accurately assess the function of the esophagus and identify the underlying cause of the condition. This allows us to develop personalized treatment plans that address the specific needs of each patient.
What is Achalasia?
Achalasia is a rare disorder in which damaged nerves in your esophagus prevent it from working as it should. Muscles at the lower end of your esophagus fail to allow food to enter your stomach. Symptoms include trouble swallowing, heartburn, and chest pain. Treatment includes both nonsurgical (Botox injections, balloon dilation, medicines) and surgical options.
What are the symptoms of achalasia-cardia?
Achalasia-cardia is mainly characterized by difficulty in swallowing. The muscle aperture (opening) that connects your throat and stomach does not open and close as it should. Due to this, food gets trapped in your esophagus and finally passes back up into your mouth.
Not only can trouble swallowing create nutritional deficiencies, but it can also induce a variety of additional symptoms, including:
- Difficulty in swallowing food or even water
- The sensation of food stuck up in the chest
- Regurgitation of undigested food
- Gradual weight loss.
- Some may face pneumonia and
- You can also face vomiting.
- Noncardiac chest pain
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to consult with an Achalasia Cardia Specialist in Pune for an evaluation. Early diagnosis and treatment of achalasia-cardia can help prevent complications and improve your quality of life.
Diagnosis of Achalasia Cardia:
Achalasia cardia is typically diagnosed through a combination of medical history, physical examination, and specific diagnostic tests. Here are some common methods used to diagnose achalasia cardia:
- Medical History: Your doctor will ask about your symptoms, including difficulty swallowing, regurgitation of food, chest pain, and weight loss. They may also inquire about your medical history and any previous treatments you have tried.
- Physical Examination: During a physical examination, your doctor may check for signs of malnutrition, dehydration, or other complications of achalasia. They may also perform a digital rectal examination to check for any abnormalities in the anal sphincter muscles.
- Barium Swallow Study: Also known as an esophagram, this test involves swallowing a barium solution while X-ray images are taken. The barium outlines the shape and movement of the esophagus, allowing your doctor to see if there are any abnormalities or blockages.
- Esophageal Manometry: This test measures the pressure inside the esophagus and the function of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) muscle. A thin tube is inserted through the nose or mouth into the esophagus to measure these pressures while you swallow.
- Endoscopy: During an endoscopy, a flexible tube with a camera on the end is inserted through the mouth and into the esophagus. This allows your doctor to visually inspect the esophagus and look for any abnormalities.
- pH Monitoring: In some cases, a 24-hour pH monitoring test may be done to measure the amount of acid reflux in the esophagus. This test can help differentiate between achalasia and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
- CT Scan or MRI: These imaging tests may be done to rule out other conditions that can cause similar symptoms to achalasia, such as esophageal cancer or a hiatal hernia.
Role of Esophageal Manometry in Achalasia Cardia Treatment:
Esophageal manometry plays a crucial role in the diagnosis and achalasia cardia treatment. This diagnostic test measures the pressure and coordination of muscle contractions in the esophagus, including the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) muscle. Here’s how esophageal manometry is used in the achalasia cardia treatment:
- Diagnosis: Esophageal manometry is often used to confirm a diagnosis of achalasia cardia. In patients with achalasia, manometry typically shows impaired relaxation of the LES and absent peristalsis (the coordinated muscle contractions that push food through the esophagus).
- Baseline Assessment: Esophageal manometry provides a baseline assessment of esophageal function before treatment. This baseline data helps healthcare providers determine the severity of the condition and track changes in esophageal function over time.
- Treatment Planning: The results of esophageal manometry can help guide treatment decisions for achalasia cardia. For example, the severity of LES dysfunction and esophageal motility can influence the choice of treatment, such as pneumatic balloon dilation or surgical myotomy.
- Monitoring Treatment Response: After treatment, esophageal manometry can be used to assess the effectiveness of the intervention. Improvements in LES relaxation and esophageal motility seen on manometry can indicate a positive response to treatment.
- Post-treatment Surveillance: Esophageal manometry may be repeated periodically after treatment to monitor for recurrence of symptoms or worsening of esophageal function. This surveillance helps healthcare providers intervene early if additional treatment is needed.
Achalasia Cardia Treatment:
- Surgery (Heller Myotomy): Heller myotomy is a surgical procedure that involves cutting the muscles of the LES to reduce pressure and improve swallowing. It is usually performed laparoscopically and can provide long-lasting relief of symptoms.
- Peroral Endoscopic Myotomy (POEM): POEM is a minimally invasive endoscopic procedure that involves creating a tunnel in the esophageal wall and cutting the muscles of the LES. It is less invasive than surgery and can be effective in achalasia cardia treatment.
- Medications: Medications such as calcium channel blockers or nitrates may be used to help relax the LES and improve swallowing in some patients. However, these medications are usually less effective than other treatments and are often used as adjunctive therapy.
- Lifestyle Modifications: Making certain lifestyle changes, such as eating smaller, more frequent meals, avoiding eating close to bedtime, and elevating the head of the bed, can help reduce symptoms of achalasia cardia.
Why choose Dr. Rupali Bandgar-Jankar for Achalasia Cardia Treatment?
- Expertise and Specialization: With specialized training in gastroenterology and motility disorders, Dr. Rupali has the expertise to accurately diagnose and effectively treat achalasia cardia. She stays updated with the latest advancements in the field, ensuring patients receive the best care possible.
- Comprehensive Evaluation: Rupali takes a comprehensive approach to patient care, conducting thorough evaluations to understand the underlying causes of achalasia cardia. She uses state-of-the-art diagnostic techniques, such as high-resolution esophageal manometry, to tailor treatment plans to each patient’s unique needs.
- Advanced Treatment Options: Rupali offers a range of advanced treatment options for achalasia cardia, including pneumatic balloon dilation, botulinum toxin injections, surgical myotomy, and peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM). She works closely with patients to determine the most appropriate treatment based on their condition and preferences.
- Minimally Invasive Procedures: Rupali specializes in minimally invasive procedures for achalasia cardia, such as laparoscopic surgery and endoscopic therapies. These procedures offer faster recovery times, less pain, and reduced risk compared to traditional open surgery.
- Patient-Centered Care: Rupali provides compassionate and patient-centered care, taking the time to listen to her patients’ concerns, answer their questions, and involve them in the decision-making process. She ensures that patients feel comfortable and well-informed throughout their treatment journey.
- Positive Patient Outcomes: Rupali’s dedication to providing high-quality care has led to positive outcomes for many patients with achalasia cardia. Patients consistently praise her for her expertise, professionalism, and commitment to their well-being.
- Continued Support: Rupali provides ongoing support and follow-up care for patients with achalasia cardia, ensuring they receive the necessary support and guidance throughout their treatment and recovery.
Request a Call Back:
Dr. Rupali Bandgar-Jankar at Kaizen Gastro Care’s highly specialized doctors offers trusted medical advice and expert care for Constipation. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with our best gastrophysiologist in Pune if you’re experiencing symptoms of constipation. For more information about our comprehensive treatment options, or to request an appointment with the best Gastroenterologist in Pune call 9763635252