Achalasia causes

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Overview

Causes

The main problem in achalasia is a failure of the a muscular ring where the esophagus and stomach come together (lower esophageal sphincter) to relax during swallowing.

Another part of the disorder is a lack of nerve stimulation to the muscles of the esophagus. Causes include:

  • Cancers
  • Damage to the nerves of the esophagus
  • Infection with a parasite
  • Inherited factors

As a result, the wave-like contractions (peristalsis) of smooth muscles that normally force food through the esophagus and other parts of the digestive tract do not work as well. Achalasia is a rare disorder. It may occur at any age, but is most common in middle-aged or older adults.

References