Achalasia physical examination

Achalasia Microchapters
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1], Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Ahmed Younes M.B.B.CH [2]

Physical Examination

Appearance

Patients with achalasia usually appear calm and in no acute distress.

General

• Achalasia patients may have low BMI due to chronic weight loss.

Vital signs

• Achalasia patients are usually vitally stable.

Head and neck

• Oral cavity examination may show ulcers due to food regurgitation.

Lungs

• Lungs usually show clear vesicular breathing sounds, with equal air entry.

Abdomen

• Abdomen is usually lax, non tender, and with no masses

Heart

• On auscultation, the heart has normal S1, S2, with no rubs, gallops, nor murmers.

Extremities

• Extremities may show emaciation especially in chronic cases.

Neurologic

• Patient is usually oriented to time, person, and place with good motor and sensory functions.