Achalasia natural history, complications and prognosis

Achalasia Microchapters
Home
Patient Information
Overview
Historical Perspective
Classification
Pathophysiology
Causes
Differentiating Achalasia from other Diseases
Epidemiology and Demographics
Risk Factors
Screening
Natural History, Complications and Prognosis
Diagnosis
History and Symptoms
Physical Examination
Laboratory Findings
X Ray
CT
MRI
Ultrasound
Other Imaging Findings
Other Diagnostic Studies
Treatment
Medical Therapy
Surgery
Primary Prevention
Secondary Prevention
Cost-Effectiveness of Therapy
Future or Investigational Therapies
Case Studies
Case #1
Achalasia natural history, complications and prognosis On the Web
Most recent articles
Most cited articles
Review articles
CME Programs
Powerpoint slides
Images
American Roentgen Ray Society Images of Achalasia natural history, complications and prognosis All Images X-rays Echo & Ultrasound CT Images MRI
Ongoing Trials at Clinical Trials.gov
US National Guidelines Clearinghouse
NICE Guidance
FDA on Achalasia natural history, complications and prognosis
CDC on Achalasia natural history, complications and prognosis
Achalasia natural history, complications and prognosis in the news
Blogs on Achalasia natural history, complications and prognosis
Directions to Hospitals Treating Achalasia
Risk calculators and risk factors for Achalasia natural history, complications and prognosis

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

Please help WikiDoc by adding more content here. It's easy! Click here to learn about editing.

Natural History

• The disease has a slow onset of symptoms, therefore the condition is usually advanced at the time of presentation.
• If left untreated, the disease can progress causing complications such as candida esophagitis, esophageal perforation and aspiration pneumonia. However, achalasia does not alter the life span of the patients.

Complications

1. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or heartburn.
2. Achalasia patients have an increased risk of developing Barrett's esophagus or Barrett's mucosa, a premalignant condition which may lead to esophageal cancer over a period of years.
3. Aspiration pneumonia: Food and liquid, including saliva, are retained in the esophagus and may be inhaled into the lungs, especially while sleeping in a horizontal position.
   • Tearing (perforation) of the esophagus

• The incidence of esophageal cancer is controversial in patients with achalasia. Some Swedish studies report an increased incidence, and suggest routine surveillance esophago-gastroduodenoscopy (EGD). This has not been shown to be the case in the U.S.A., and current recommendations do not include routine EGD.