A case report of achalasia

Abstract

Achalasia is characterized by no peristaltic contraction of the esophagus and inadequate relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter. Dysphagia, regurgitation, and heartburn are the most prevalent symptoms. A 41-year-old male was referred to General Hospital with a primary symptom of dysphagia that had persisted throughout adulthood. To aid swallow solid or soft food, the patient needed to drink a lot of water. In the last three months, the complaint deteriorated, followed by odynophagia, nausea, and vomiting undigested, retained food. The patient also complained of heartburn and had previously been diagnosed with a type of angina pectoris, but medicine did not help his symptoms. The patient had a history of weight loss but no anorexia, and there was no previous history of caustic ingestion. The patient smoked frequently. There were no abnormalities discovered during the physical checkup. The esophagogram revealed a dilated distal esophagus resembling a rat tail. Gastroscopy indicated esophageal dilation in the lower third. The distal esophagus was shown to be dilated on computed tomography. We arrived at the diagnosis of achalasia based on the findings of the exams. The patient was given a calcium channel blocker as well as a proton pump inhibitor. The patient improved clinically after treatment and was released. The patient was scheduled for a monthly outpatient clinic visit.