Warning Signs Of Esophageal Achalasia

Discomfort Or Pain After Eating

For many patients with esophageal achalasia, even eating a single bite of food can result in discomfort. Unlike the pain caused by acid reflux, this sort of uncomfortable feeling is not sharp or searing. Instead, it is more of a general sensation of feeling like you cannot swallow completely. Some patients find it feels like they have something lodged in their throat, or they may feel as if they are uncomfortably full. Symptoms of discomfort or pain after eating are more common in individuals whose lower esophageal sphincter does not relax instead of those who have a sphincter that relaxes too much. As food becomes backed up in the esophagus, levels of pain may increase. This pain can be so high that esophageal achalasia patients avoid eating altogether.

Continue to learn about the next warning sign of esophageal achalasia.

Unexplained Weight Loss

If you are losing weight despite not dieting, it is almost always a cause for concern. Check to see if you should be losing weight by calculating your total daily energy expenditure and tracking your daily calorie intake. If the amount of calories consumed is equal to or larger than the amount you burn, talk to a doctor about your abnormal weight loss. Individuals who have esophageal achalasia tend to lose weight for a few different reasons. They may just be eating less than they need to because they find it unpleasant and uncomfortable to eat. However, even those who technically eat an adequate amount of food might not get enough nutrition from it because their digestive system is having so many issues.

It's time to learn about the next symptom of esophageal achalasia. Keep reading now.