Achalasia is a rare, chronic disorder of the digestive system where the esophagus loses the ability to move food into the stomach and the lower esophageal sphincter fails to relax properly. This condition primarily causes difficulty swallowing (dysphagia), regurgitation of undigested food, and chest pain, requiring specialized gastroenterological management to improve quality of life. What happens in the body with Achalasia? In a healthy digestive system, the esophagus uses rhythmic muscle contractions (peristalsis) to push food down, while the lower esophageal sphincter acts as a valve that opens to let food into the stomach. In Achalasia, the nerve cells (myenteric plexus) that coordinate these movements degenerate. This leads to impaired esophageal motility and a sphincter that remains tightly closed, causing food to "back up" in the esophagus. Over time, this can lead to significant weight loss, nocturnal cough, and the risk of aspiration pneumonia. How common is Achalasia and who does it affect? Achalasia is a rare condition with an estimated incidence of approximately 1 in 100,000 people per year. While it can occur at any age, it is most frequently diagnosed in adults between 30 and 60 years old. Research indicates that Achalasia affects men and women with roughly equal frequency. Currently, 319 people living with Achalasia have joined the DiseaseMaps.org community to share their experiences and support one another. What are the three main subtypes of Achalasia? Clinicians classify the condition using high-resolution manometry into three distinct patterns, which helps guide treatment decisions: Type I (Classic): Minimal esophageal pressure and no significant contraction. Type II (Compressed): Characterized by pan-esophageal pressurization; this type generally has the best response to treatment. Type III (Spastic): Involves abnormal, forceful, and disorganized contractions of the esophagus, often causing the most significant chest pain. How is Achalasia different from other digestive issues? Unlike acid reflux (GERD), where the sphincter is too loose, Achalasia involves a sphincter that is too tight. Distinguishing it from other conditions, such as eosinophilic esophagitis or esophageal cancer, is critical and typically requires a combination of endoscopy, barium swallow studies, and manometry. Next steps Consult a gastroenterologist specializing in esophageal motility disorders. Request a high-resolution manometry test to confirm the diagnosis and subtype. Connect with the 319 members of the DiseaseMaps.org community to share experiences and coping strategies. Discuss treatment options like POEM (Per-Oral Endoscopic Myotomy) or Heller Myotomy with your medical team. Medical disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment; always seek the advice of your physician regarding any medical condition. References National Institutes of Health (NIH) - Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center (GARD). Orphanet: Portal for rare diseases and orphan drugs. Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man (OMIM) database. American College of Gastroenterology (ACG) Clinical Guidelines on Achalasia.

Short answer · Medically reviewed summary · Last updated: 2026-05-08

Achalasia is a rare, chronic disorder of the digestive system where the esophagus loses the ability to move food into the stomach and the lower esophageal sphincter fails to relax properly. This condition primarily causes difficulty swallowing (dysphagia), regurgitation of undigested food, and chest pain, requiring specialized gastroenterological management to improve quality of life. What happens in the body with Achalasia? In a healthy digestive system, the esophagus uses rhythmic muscle contractions (peristalsis) to push food down, while the lower esophageal sphincter acts as a valve that opens to let food into the stomach.

2 people with Achalasia have shared their first-person experience on this question at DiseaseMaps.

What is Achalasia

Name: What is Achalasia
Creator: DiseaseMaps Editorial Team
Published: 2016-05-31UTC17:32:31.0000000

What is Achalasia? Plain-language, medically reviewed definition plus the lived reality told by patients.

Achalasia is a rare, chronic disorder of the digestive system where the esophagus loses the ability to move food into the stomach and the lower esophageal sphincter fails to relax properly. This condition primarily causes difficulty swallowing (dysphagia), regurgitation of undigested food, and chest pain, requiring specialized gastroenterological management to improve quality of life.

What happens in the body with Achalasia?

In a healthy digestive system, the esophagus uses rhythmic muscle contractions (peristalsis) to push food down, while the lower esophageal sphincter acts as a valve that opens to let food into the stomach. In Achalasia, the nerve cells (myenteric plexus) that coordinate these movements degenerate. This leads to impaired esophageal motility and a sphincter that remains tightly closed, causing food to "back up" in the esophagus. Over time, this can lead to significant weight loss, nocturnal cough, and the risk of aspiration pneumonia.

How common is Achalasia and who does it affect?

Achalasia is a rare condition with an estimated incidence of approximately 1 in 100,000 people per year. While it can occur at any age, it is most frequently diagnosed in adults between 30 and 60 years old. Research indicates that Achalasia affects men and women with roughly equal frequency. Currently, 319 people living with Achalasia have joined the DiseaseMaps.org community to share their experiences and support one another.

What are the three main subtypes of Achalasia?

Clinicians classify the condition using high-resolution manometry into three distinct patterns, which helps guide treatment decisions:

Type I (Classic): Minimal esophageal pressure and no significant contraction.

Type II (Compressed): Characterized by pan-esophageal pressurization; this type generally has the best response to treatment.

Type III (Spastic): Involves abnormal, forceful, and disorganized contractions of the esophagus, often causing the most significant chest pain.

How is Achalasia different from other digestive issues?

Unlike acid reflux (GERD), where the sphincter is too loose, Achalasia involves a sphincter that is too tight. Distinguishing it from other conditions, such as eosinophilic esophagitis or esophageal cancer, is critical and typically requires a combination of endoscopy, barium swallow studies, and manometry.

Next steps

Consult a gastroenterologist specializing in esophageal motility disorders.

Request a high-resolution manometry test to confirm the diagnosis and subtype.

Connect with the 319 members of the DiseaseMaps.org community to share experiences and coping strategies.

Discuss treatment options like POEM (Per-Oral Endoscopic Myotomy) or Heller Myotomy with your medical team.

Medical disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment; always seek the advice of your physician regarding any medical condition.