Achalasia secondary prevention
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Overview
Secondary Prevention
- Lifestyle changes: Achalasia patients need to eat slowly, chew very well, drink plenty of water with meals, and avoid eating near bedtime. It is helpful to sleep with the head elevated by raising the head of the bed or using a wedge pillow. Proton pump inhibitors may help prevent reflux damage after surgery by inhibiting gastric acid secretion. Foods that can aggravate reflux, including ketchup and other tomato products, citrus fruits, chocolate, mint, alcohol, and caffeine, should also be avoided.
- Follow-up monitoring: Even after successful treatment of achalasia, swallowing may still deteriorate over time. It's important to check every year or two with a timed barium swallow because some may need pneumatic dilations, a repeat myotomy, or even esophagectomy after many years. Some doctors recommend pH testing and endoscopy to check for reflux damage, which may lead to a stricture or cancer of the esophagus if untreated.