How to diagnose achalasia cardia?
These are the tests that are commonly used to diagnose achalasia cardia:
Barium swallow:
In this test, follow the path of swallowed foods and liquids after imaging of drinking barium. It will help in the visual image of the oesophagus. It shows a bird’s beak appearance (oesophageal dilatation) due to the narrowing of the distal oesophagus.
Oesophageal manometry:
This test measures the force and efficiency of rhythmic muscle contractions in the oesophagus when swallowing. The coordination and pressure exerted by the oesophagus muscles, and the relaxation of the lower oesophagal sphincter or opens during a swallow.
Upper gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy:
This helps directly view the oesophagus. It helps to rule out mechanical dysphagia caused by oesophageal malignancy and stricture. Endoscopy in achalasia shows a dilated and twisting oesophagus caused by spontaneous contractions of the oesophageal smooth muscles and undigested food or liquid.
X-Ray of the upper digestive system (esophagram):
To examine the structure of the digestive tract after a drink of chalky liquid that coats and fills the lining of the digestive tract. The coating allows the shadows of the oesophagus, stomach and upper intestine. To swallow a barium pill that can help show blockage of the oesophagus.
Oesophagogastroduodenoscopy:
To rule out the cancer of the fundus.
Biopsy:
A small sample of tissue may be acquired from the lower part of the oesophagus to look for cancer cells.
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