Condition
Achalasia
What You Need to Know
Achalasia is a rare disease that makes it hard to swallow foods and liquids.Key Symptoms
Common symptoms include having trouble swallowing, losing weight and vomiting undigested food.
Diagnosis
To make a diagnosis, your child's healthcare provider will look into the esophagus and do special tests to measure pressures inside the esophagus while a child is swallowing.
Treatment
Achalasia often gets worse if it is not treated. Medicines are not very effective. Surgery is almost always recommended.
Frequently Asked Questions
Prevention and Risk Assessment
What is achalasia?
What causes achalasia in a child?
Why is achalasia in children a concern?
What are the symptoms of achalasia in a child?
Diagnosis
How is achalasia diagnosed?
Treatments
When should I call my child's healthcare provider?
How is achalasia treated in a child?
Providers Who Treat Achalasia
Departments that Treat Achalasia
Comprehensive Motility Program
The Motility Program works to help treat a number of motility issues impacting your child's digestive tract, including abdominal pain, aspirating, constipation and incontinence. Learn more about our Comprehensive Motility Program.
Esophageal and Thoracic Surgery Program
Learn more about our program that was developed to streamline the care of patients with diseases and disorders of the lungs, mediastinum and esophagus by using the latest diagnostic, surgical and medical techniques based on best-practice guidelines.