Is the Heartburn You Experience Actually Achalasia?

Hey there, buddy! Let's talk about heartburn and two conditions that can cause it - acid reflux (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease, or GERD) and achalasia.

Usually, heartburn comes from too much acid creeping up into your esophagus, giving you a burning feeling like eating a spicy jalapeño. Around 1 in 5 Americans face acid reflux, but about 1 in 100,000 encounter a different condition called achalasia each year.

Even though they have similar symptoms, these conditions are treated in distinct ways. With acid reflux, the problem is usually the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) not closing when it should. In contrast, achalasia is when the LES doesn't open up as it should.

Dr. Scott Gabbard, a gastroenterologist, mentioned that up to one hour of acid reflux per day is considered normal. If you're dealing with achalasia, your LES won't open, and whatever you swallow gets stuck in your esophagus – yikes!

Because the symptoms can be similar, it's easy to get confused and assume you just have acid reflux. But if you have difficulty swallowing and food gets stuck in your esophagus, get tested to rule out conditions like achalasia or even esophageal cancer.

A gastroenterologist might perform tests like an endoscopy, barium swallow, or esophageal manometry to check how your esophagus is functioning.

If it's acid reflux, common treatments include:

Dietary changes (avoiding high-fat foods, caffeine, acidic goods, peppermint, etc.)
Weight loss (even a minor reduction can help)
Quitting smoking (nicotine relaxes the LES)
Repositioning when sleeping (laying on your left side with your head slightly elevated may help)
Medications (such as antacids, PPIs, or H~2~ receptor blockers)

Achalasia treatment focuses on relaxing the LES and improving swallowing. Options include surgery (like a Heller myotomy or POEM), balloon dilation, or Botox injections.

Since achalasia is rare, you may need to see a specialist experienced in dealing with these conditions for accurate diagnosis and treatment.

If you experience heartburn and regurgitation less than once a week, try lifestyle changes and over-the-counter medication first. If that doesn't work, it's a good idea to see a doctor. If your symptoms are stronger or more frequent, don't wait – visiting a doctor is essential for proper care and long-term relief.

Stay healthy, my friend!

Heartburn can be related to food choices, such as eating spicy jalapeños that trigger acid production.
Heartburn is a common issue among Americans, with around 1 in 5 people experiencing acid reflux.
Achalasia, a less common condition, affects roughly 1 in 100,000 individuals annually.
Acid reflux is often characterized by the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) failing to close properly.
In contrast, achalasia is marked by the LES not opening as it should, resulting in food being stuck in the esophagus.
Heartburn symptoms can be mistaken for acid reflux, but difficulty swallowing and food getting stuck in the esophagus may indicate conditions like achalasia or even esophageal cancer.
Diagnosing these conditions involves tests like endoscopies, barium swallows, or esophageal manometry to assess functioning of the esophagus.
For acid reflux, treatments might include dietary changes, weight loss, quitting smoking, positional therapies, and medications.
Dietary modifications for acid reflux include avoiding high-fat foods, caffeine, acidic goods, peppermint, and more.
Small weight loss can also alleviate symptoms of acid reflux.
Smoking should be avoided as nicotine relaxes the LES and contributes to acid reflux.
Repositioning while sleeping, such as laying on your left side with your head slightly elevated, can help manage acid reflux.
Medications like antacids, PPIs, or H~2~ receptor blockers are also used to treat acid reflux.
Achalasia treatment focuses on relaxing the LES and improving swallowing, through means such as surgery, balloon dilation, or Botox injections.
Given the rarity of achalasia, it's crucial to consult a specialist for accurate diagnosis and treatment.
If heartburn and regurgitation occur less than once a week, lifestyle changes and over-the-counter meds are recommended initially.
If these methods fail, seeking advice from a healthcare professional is advisable.
Stronger or more frequent symptoms require prompt medical attention for proper care and long-term relief.
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