Achalasia cardia is a rare mobility disorder and it affects the oesophagus, where the oesophagus is unable to move food and liquids down into the stomach. If it is left untreated for a prolonged period, eventually the oesophagus may become enlarged and stop working.
What are the complications of achalasia cardia?
These are the complications of achalasia cardia:
- Aspiration pneumonia
- GERD
- Esophagitis with fungal infection
- Perforation of the oesophagus
- Oesophageal cancer
- Malnutrition
Aspiration pneumonia:
It is the most severe and rare complication of achalasia cardia. Due to the sudden regurgitation process, the gastric contents from the stomach enter the lungs, leading to bronchopneumonia. In this complication, the patient may feel a choking sensation, sudden breathlessness, vomiting, and respiratory distress.
GERD:
The long-term immobility of the oesophagus causes the weakening of the lower oesophageal sphincter that lead to frequent regurgitation of the food contents to the mouth that causes acid reflux. The patient may present with epigastric pain, fullness after meals, water brash and indigestion. .
Esophagitis:
There is a constant collection of food and gastric contents in the oesophagus that can irritate the mucosal lining which causes the inflammation of the oesophagus known as esophagitis. There is a fungal infection in the oesophagus.
Perforation of the oesophagus:
Chronic inflammation and irritation in the oesophagus can cause ulceration which leads to the formation of a hole in the oesophagus called an oesophageal perforation.
Oesophageal cancer:
There is not much significant evidence about the medical correlation of oesophageal cancer with achalasia cardia. Though some patients have been diagnosed with adenocarcinoma of the oesophagus have a dilatation procedure for achalasia cardia.
Malnutrition:
There is prolonged weight loss due to the inability to swallow liquids and solids that lead to significant weight loss and weakness which affects the nutritional status.
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