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==Overview==
==Overview==
'''Achalasia''' is an [[esophageal motility disorder]].<ref name=Kraichely_2006>{{cite journal |author=Kraichely R, Farrugia G |title=Achalasia: physiology and etiopathogenesis |journal=Dis Esophagus |volume=19 |issue=4 |pages=213-23 |year=2006 |pmid=16866850}}</ref> In this disorder, the [[smooth muscle cell|smooth muscle]] layer of the [[esophagus]] has impaired [[peristalsis]] (muscular ability to move food down the esophagus), and the [[lower esophageal sphincter]] (LES) fails to relax properly in response to [[swallowing]].<ref name=Park_2005>{{cite journal |author=Park W, Vaezi M |title=Etiology and pathogenesis of achalasia: the current understanding |journal=Am J Gastroenterol |volume=100 |issue=6 |pages=1404-14 |year=2005 |pmid=15929777}}</ref> The most common form is primary achalasia, which has no known underlying cause.  However, a small proportion occurs as a secondary result of other conditions, such as [[esophageal cancer]] or (in South America) [[Chagas disease]].
'''Achalasia''' is an [[esophageal motility disorder]].<ref name=Kraichely_2006>{{cite journal |author=Kraichely R, Farrugia G |title=Achalasia: physiology and etiopathogenesis |journal=Dis Esophagus |volume=19 |issue=4 |pages=213-23 |year=2006 |pmid=16866850}}</ref> In this disorder, the [[smooth muscle cell|smooth muscle]] layer of the [[esophagus]] has impaired [[peristalsis]] (muscular ability to move food down the esophagus), and the [[lower esophageal sphincter]] (LES) fails to relax properly in response to [[swallowing]].<ref name=Park_2005>{{cite journal |author=Park W, Vaezi M |title=Etiology and pathogenesis of achalasia: the current understanding |journal=Am J Gastroenterol |volume=100 |issue=6 |pages=1404-14 |year=2005 |pmid=15929777}}</ref> The most common form is primary achalasia, which has no known underlying cause.  However, a small proportion occurs as a secondary result of other conditions, such as [[esophageal cancer]] or (in South America) [[Chagas disease]].
As a summary:
* The term achalasia is Greek for ‘does not relax’. 
* During normal swallowing, a peristaltic wave propels food down the esophagus and initiates relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES).
* In achalasia, there is a loss of distal esophageal peristalsis and the LES fails to relax. 
* Thankfully, achalasia is a rare disease, with an incidence of ~ 1 case per 100,000.  Men and women are equally affected.  Onset can be at any age, however it is rare to be seen before adolescence, and is most commonly seen in people between 25 and 60 years old.


==References==
==References==


{{Reflist|2}}
{{Reflist|2}}

Revision as of 18:30, 5 September 2012

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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

Overview

Achalasia is an esophageal motility disorder.[1] In this disorder, the smooth muscle layer of the esophagus has impaired peristalsis (muscular ability to move food down the esophagus), and the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) fails to relax properly in response to swallowing.[2] The most common form is primary achalasia, which has no known underlying cause. However, a small proportion occurs as a secondary result of other conditions, such as esophageal cancer or (in South America) Chagas disease.

References

  1. Kraichely R, Farrugia G (2006). "Achalasia: physiology and etiopathogenesis". Dis Esophagus. 19 (4): 213–23. PMID 16866850.
  2. Park W, Vaezi M (2005). "Etiology and pathogenesis of achalasia: the current understanding". Am J Gastroenterol. 100 (6): 1404–14. PMID 15929777.