When you are struggling to swallow food or even small sips of water, it can be uncomfortable and frustrating. For some people, this difficulty can make every meal feel like a challenge, and often lead to chest discomfort, food coming back up, or even weight loss. If you’re experiencing symptoms like these, it could be due to a condition called achalasia. Achalasia is a rare disorder that affects the esophagus, the tube connecting your mouth to your stomach. In people with achalasia, the muscles in the esophagus don’t work as they should, and the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) stays closed instead of relaxing to let food pass into the stomach. This causes food and liquids to get stuck, leading to ongoing discomfort and impacting daily life.
In this blog, we’ll help you know about how achalasia disrupts both digestion and everyday routines. We’ll explain how the condition can make eating, sleeping, and even social interactions more challenging. With simple, clear information, we’ll also share tips and strategies for managing achalasia, making it easier to feel more comfortable, improve your health, and enjoy life more fully.
What is Achalasia?
Achalasia is a condition where the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), that controls the opening between your esophagus and stomach, doesn’t relax as it should. At the same time, the muscles in your esophagus stop working properly, making it difficult for food to move into your stomach. Achalasia happens when your immune system mistakenly damages the nerves that control the esophagus. This leads to a loss of coordination between the LES and causes the typical symptoms of achalasia. Over time, your esophagus can become stretched out as food and liquids get stuck, which can make things even more uncomfortable.
Achalasia Impact on Digestion
Achalasia is a condition that affects the esophagus, where the muscles fail to relax properly, making it difficult for food and liquids to pass into the stomach. This can have several impacts on digestion:
1. Difficulty Swallowing (Dysphagia)
When the LES doesn’t relax properly and the muscles in the esophagus stop working, it becomes hard for you to swallow both solid foods and sometimes even liquids. This will give you the feeling like your food is stuck in your throat or chest, which can be very uncomfortable. When the food you eat struggles to pass into the stomach, it may come back up, and give you the feeling of fullness or digestive issues and discomfort which is very uncomfortable. Because of this difficulty, many people with achalasia start eating smaller meals or avoiding food altogether, which can affect their nutrition and health. Over time, this can lead to weight loss, dehydration, and not getting enough nutrients. In some cases, the esophagus may stretch out from food and liquid building up, making digestion even harder. Dealing with these symptoms every day can also cause stress and frustration, affecting your mood and social life.
2. Regurgitation
People with achalasia experience regurgitation, where undigested food or liquids come back up into the throat or mouth. This happens when your food doesn’t move properly through the esophagus and can occur right after eating or even hours later when the food hasn’t made it into the stomach. Regurgitation can cause discomfort, a sour or bitter taste, and sometimes gives you the choking feeling. It can also lead to embarrassment or anxiety, especially in social situations. Over time, frequent regurgitation can cause a sore throat, bad breath, or even damage to the teeth. If your food stays in the esophagus for too long, it can cause irritation or inflammation. Regurgitation can also affect sleep, as lying down may make it worse.
3. Chest Pain
With achalasia, you might feel chest pain that can be strong, long-lasting and can make it hard for you to eat or do everyday activities. This pain can be so intense that it affects sleep and daily routines. Sometimes, the pain spreads to the back or feels similar to heartburn or other conditions like angina (chest pain caused by reduced blood flow to the heart) . Along with chest pain, many people feel a burning sensation, often due to stomach acid. This acid reflux will make you uneasy and can make the pain worse. People often living with this constant pain and discomfort can lead to anxiety and stress, as people worry about triggering symptoms during normal activities.
4. Weight Loss
The trouble swallowing and digesting food can cause unexplained weight loss, which can be worrying. This often happens because eating becomes painful or uncomfortable, making it hard to get enough food. People may avoid certain foods or eat less to avoid discomfort, which can lead to missing important nutrients over time. Without proper nutrition, they might feel tired, weak, and more likely to get sick. Low energy and constant fatigue can make everyday tasks harder, and over time, this can also impact their mood and motivation. Social situations, like eating out with friends or family, may become stressful, adding emotional strain. As weight continues to drop, these combined physical and emotional challenges make living with achalasia even more difficult.
5. Malnutrition
Prolonged swallowing issues and trouble with eating not only leads to digestive health issues but also to malnutrition, especially if the body isn’t getting the essential nutrients it needs. This lack of nutrients can weaken the immune system, making it easier to get sick. Over time, malnutrition can cause muscle loss, leaving people feeling tired and weak. Low levels of important vitamins and minerals can also affect mood, leading to feelings of anxiety or depression. If left untreated, severe malnutrition can even harm bone health, increasing the risk of osteoporosis. This ongoing struggle with nutrition affects both physical health and social life, as mealtimes often become stressful rather than enjoyable.
Achalasia Impact on Your Daily Life
The digestive challenges associated with achalasia can have a significant impact on an individual’s daily life, including:
1. Dietary Restrictions
With achalasia, you often need to adjust your diet by avoiding certain solid foods, eating smaller meals more frequently, and focusing on soft, well-cooked, or liquid foods that are easier to swallow. Dry or tough foods, like bread and raw vegetables, can be hard to eat and may be replaced with softer options that don’t cause discomfort. Many people rely on protein shakes or blended meals to get enough nutrients without putting strain on the esophagus. Sipping water between bites can also help food move down more smoothly. Eating becomes a slower, more careful process, and late-night meals are usually avoided to reduce the chance of regurgitation.
2. Social Limitations
Mealtimes can become stressful and isolating for people with achalasia. Avoiding social situations that involve food can lower your quality of life and lead to social withdrawal. Struggling to swallow or experiencing regurgitation in front of others can make eating out or attending gatherings uncomfortable. Over time, this can lead to avoiding meals with friends or family, affecting relationships and causing loneliness. Many people with achalasia often have to explain their condition or adjust their routines to stay socially active, which can be tiring.
3. Sleep Disturbances
It’s hard to sleep, especially if you experience regurgitation or chest pain at night. The discomfort from regurgitation can make lying down difficult, as it can cause food or stomach acid to come back up into the throat. To help with acid reflux, many people sleep with their head propped up on pillows or at an incline to prevent this from happening. However, even with these changes, sleep can still be interrupted, leaving people feeling tired during the day. Over time, lack of sleep can lead to fatigue, mood swings, and low energy, making it harder to handle daily tasks. Sleep problems can also affect mental health, causing more stress and anxiety.
4. Decreased Productivity
Managing achalasia can make it harder for you to stay productive at work or in daily activities. When you focus on symptoms it can also make it tough for you to concentrate at work or in social situations, causing stress or frustration. You might feel tired often, have trouble eating, and experience discomfort, which can drain your energy and make it hard to focus or meet deadlines. Dealing with this long-term condition can also lead to burnout, affecting both work and overall well-being. People with achalasia may need extra support from coworkers, family, or healthcare providers to handle these challenges and maintain balance in their lives.
Learn About Achalasia with Expert Insights
Achalasia is a life-altering condition that requires a combination of dietary, medical, and lifestyle adjustments to manage effectively. While there is no cure, advancements in treatment options have allowed people with achalasia to lead fuller, more comfortable lives. Early diagnosis and intervention are crucial to prevent complications and improve overall well-being. If you are struggling with symptoms of achalasia or have concerns about managing the condition, it is essential to seek expert advice. You can consult Dr. Preetha Thomas for expert advice on personalized treatment options and strategies tailored to your needs. Living with achalasia can be challenging, but with proper management and support, it’s possible to maintain a satisfying quality of life.