what is Esophagus?Esophagus is a hollow tube of muscular structure connecting mouth to the stomach. It mainly resides in the neck and chest. It passes food from the mouth to the stomach. Diseases of esophagus causes difficulty in swallowing as well retrosternal pain or heaviness.Common Diseases of Esophagus are :• Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)• Achalasia Cardia• Diverticulum of Esophagus• Foreign Body in Esophagus• Corrosive Injury of Esophagus• Cancer of Esophagus

What is achalasia cardia?Achalasia cardia is a medical condition that affects the ability of the esophagus (the tube connecting the mouth to the stomach) to move food and liquids into the stomach. It occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter, which is a ring of muscles at the end of the food pipe, fails to relax properly. As a result, food and fluids have difficulty passing through the food pipe and reaching the stomachWhat are the symptoms of achalasia cardia?Symptoms of achalasia can vary from person to person, but the most common ones include:1. Dysphagia: Difficulty swallowing is the hallmark symptom of achalasia. It typically starts with difficulty swallowing solid foods and progresses to difficulty swallowing liquids as the condition worsens. People may feel like food or liquids get stuck in the chest or throat.2. Regurgitation: Undigested food, saliva, or a sour-tasting liquid may come back up into the throat or mouth, especially after eating or drinking.3. Chest pain or discomfort: Some individuals experience a dull, aching pain in the chest, which may be mistaken for heart-related pain (angina). The pain can occur during or after eating.4. Weight loss: Persistent difficulty in swallowing can lead to unintentional weight loss over time.5. Heartburn: Many people with achalasia also experience symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), such as heartburn, a burning sensation in the chest or throat.6. Coughing and choking: As a result of food and liquids being difficult to swallow, individuals with achalasia may cough or choke while eating or drinking.It is important to note that these symptoms can be caused by other conditions as well. If you experience persistent difficulties with swallowing or any of the symptoms mentioned above, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.What investigation are required – achalasia cardia?To diagnose achalasia cardia and rule out other conditions with similar symptoms, several investigations may be performed. The following are common diagnostic tests for achalasia:1. Esophageal manometry: This test measures the pressure and coordination of the muscles in the esophagus. It is considered the gold standard for diagnosing achalasia. A thin tube with sensors is passed through the nose or mouth into the esophagus to record the muscle activity and pressure changes as the person swallows.2. Barium swallow test (esophagram): This is a radiographic test in which the person swallows a liquid containing barium, a contrast material. X-rays are then taken to visualize the movement of the barium through the esophagus and identify any abnormalities, such as the characteristic "bird's beak" appearance at the lower esophageal sphincter.3. Endoscopy: A flexible tube with a camera (endoscope) is inserted through the mouth to examine the esophagus and stomach. This allows the doctor to check for any structural abnormalities, inflammation, or tumors that could be causing the symptoms. Additionally, during endoscopy, a tissue sample (biopsy) may be taken to rule out other conditions.These investigations help in confirming the diagnosis of achalasia cardia and assessing the severity of the condition. Other tests, such as upper gastrointestinal (GI) series and esophageal pH monitoring, may be conducted to gather additional information or rule out other potential causes of the symptoms.It is important to consult with a healthcare professional who will determine which investigations are appropriate based on your specific symptoms and medical history.What is the treatment of Achalasia cardia?The treatment of achalasia cardia aims to improve the movement of food through the esophagus and alleviate the symptoms. The choice of treatment depends on various factors such as the severity of symptoms, individual preferences, and overall health.

When acid reflux back from stomach to food pipe due to lax valve between it and stomach and produce damage to the inner lining of food pipe called GERD (Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disease).GERD, or gastroesophageal reflux disease, is a chronic condition where stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, causing irritation and discomfort. What are the symptoms of GERDHere are some common symptoms of GERD 1. Heartburn: This is a burning sensation or discomfort felt in the chest or upper abdomen. It often occurs after eating and can sometimes spread to the throat.2. Acid regurgitation: This is the feeling of stomach acid coming back up into the throat or mouth. It may leave a sour or bitter taste.3. Difficulty in swallowing: Some people with GERD may experience a sensation of food getting stuck in the throat or a feeling of tightness when swallowing.4. Chest pain: GERD can cause chest pain that may feel like a squeezing or pressure. However, it's important to note that chest pain can also be a symptom of other serious conditions, so it should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.5. Chronic cough: A persistent, dry cough that doesn't seem to go away can be a symptom of GERD. It may worsen at night or after eating.6. Hoarseness or voice changes: Acid reflux can irritate the vocal cords, leading to a hoarse voice or changes in voice quality.7. Excessive burping or belching: Some individuals with GERD may experience frequent burping or belching due to the presence of excess gas in the digestive system.It's important to remember that these symptoms can vary from person to person, and not everyone with GERD will experience all of them. If you suspect you have GERD or are experiencing persistent symptoms, it's recommended to consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.What investigations required?To diagnose GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease), healthcare professionals may perform several investigations or tests. 1. Symptom assessment: The first step is usually a thorough discussion with your doctor about your symptoms. They will ask you questions about the frequency and severity of symptoms such as heartburn, regurgitation, coughing, and swallowing difficulties.2. Physical examination: A physical examination may be conducted to check for any signs of complications or other related conditions.3. Upper endoscopy: This is a procedure where a thin, flexible tube with a camera called an endoscope is inserted through your mouth and into your food pipe and stomach. It allows the doctor to visually examine the lining of these organs for any signs of inflammation, ulcers, or other abnormalities.4. Esophageal pH monitoring: This test measures the level of acidity in your food pipe over a 24-hour period. A small, flexible tube is inserted through your nose and into your food pipe to measure the pH levels and detect any episodes of acid reflux.5. Esophageal manometry: This test measures the strength and coordination of the muscles in your food pipe. A thin tube is inserted through your nose and into your food pipe to assess how well the muscles are working and if they are functioning properly.6. Barium swallow: During this test, you drink a chalky liquid containing barium, which coats the lining of your food pipe and stomach. Then, X-rays are taken to observe the movement of the barium as you swallow. This can help identify any abnormalities in the structure or function of your food pipe.These investigations help healthcare professionals diagnose GERD by evaluating the presence of acid reflux, assessing the condition of the food pipe, and ruling out other potential causes of your symptoms.It's important to note that the specific tests performed may vary depending on individual circumstances, and your healthcare provider will determine which investigations are necessary for an accurate diagnosis.