Q I was diagnosed with achalasia. What exactly is this condition?
A It's a disease where the sphincter at the entrance from the esophagus into the stomach fails to open in time, and the esophagus's pushing-down motion disappears, so food can't pass into the stomach. As a result, even water, not just solids, doesn't go down well.
Detailed Answer
Normally, when you swallow, the esophagus contracts in sequence to push food downward, and the sphincter at the entrance to the stomach (lower esophageal sphincter) opens so food enters the stomach. In achalasia, this sphincter doesn't relax properly and esophageal peristalsis is lost, so food stays in the esophagus and can't go down into the stomach. This results in difficulty swallowing, regurgitation, and chest pain.
Korean Medicine Clinic Perspective
Korean medicine has viewed this pattern of being unable to accept food, which then comes back up, as the disease pattern called yeolgyeok. It is understood as an imbalance where the small intestine's pulling-down power weakens and the upper qi rises in reverse. The main treatment for achalasia is a procedure, but Korean medicine focuses on the supportive role of soothing that imbalance to make swallowing and the stomach comfortable.
Related FAQs
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Q
I can't come often due to mobility issues. Can I start with an online consultation?
#Possibility / Realistic Goals
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Q
I often choke when food comes back up and have a severe dry cough. Is this related to achalasia?
#Comorbidities
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Q
When food gets completely stuck in my esophagus at home and will not go down, is there anything I can do right away?
#Lifestyle Management
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Q
What habits in daily life can make swallowing even a little more comfortable?
#Lifestyle Management
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Q
Swallowing difficulty is getting progressively worse and my weight keeps dropping. Is it okay to start with traditional Korean medicine treatment first?
#Safety