What is Achalasia?
Achalasia is a swallowing condition that affects the gullet (oesophagus). A the lower end of the oesophagus, there is a muscle know as the lower oesophageal sphincter. This muscle controls the passage of food from the gullet into the stomach. Then this muscle relaxes, food can move from the gullet into the stomach. In achalasia, this muscle does not relax adequately preventing passage of food from the gullet into the stomach. Over time a large amount of food and fluid can collect in the gullet causing it to remain dilated and baggy.