The oesophagus or gullet (食道 in Mandarin) is a muscular tube that transmits food from the mouth into the stomach. Once food enters the oesophagus, it is transmitted down to the stomach through a series of muscular contractions — a process called 'peristalsis'.
When food passes from the lower end of the oesophagus into the stomach, it encounters a special muscular ring known as the lower oesophageal sphincter (LES). When the LES relaxes, the food will enter the stomach. The LES is important because it prevents the backflow of food and acid from the stomach up into the oesophagus.
On the other hand, if the LES fails to relax, the food in the oesophagus is unable to enter the stomach. Over time, the motor function of the oesophageal muscle weakens and the oesophagus enlarges. This failure of relaxation of the LES occurs in a disease called achalasia.
Achalasia is a relatively rare disease affecting about 1 in 100,000 people. It affects both adults and children. Men and women are equally affected. The exact cause is unknown.
Achalasia is a chronic disease; most people suffering from this condition will try to tolerate the difficulty in swallowing and adjust their diet to take small portions or choose to have a liquid diet. Some of them may become thin and malnourished with poor quality of life. Nevertheless, this condition is treatable. Speak to your doctors or contact us through this website, email or telephone for further details.