Causes and Risk Factors for Achalasia (Cardiospasm)

What is Achalasia?

Achalasia (ay-kuh-lay-zhuh) is a rare disorder that affects the esophagus (the tube that carries food from the mouth to the stomach), making it hard to swallow. It happens when the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), the ring-shaped muscle at the bottom of the esophagus, doesn’t relax properly, which prevents food and liquid from passing into the stomach. This causes food to back up in the esophagus, leading to symptoms like difficulty swallowing, chest pain, and regurgitation., leading to symptoms like difficulty swallowing, chest pain, and regurgitation.

The exact cause of achalasia is not fully understood, but there are several theories about what might lead to the condition. Here are some key points to help explain the possible causes of achalasia:

• One theory suggests that achalasia might be caused by the breakdown of a group of nerves called Auerbach's plexus, which helps control the movement of food through the esophagus.
• Another theory suggests that damage to the nerves that control the throat, stomach, and other parts of the digestive system may contribute to causing achalasia.
• The exact factors that damage these nerves and cause them to stop working are still unknown, but researchers believe genetics, autoimmune disease, and infections might play a role. While there are no clear patterns based on gender or race for who develops achalasia, it mostly affects adults between their 20s and 50s.

Risk Factors

The risk factors below increase the chances of developing achalasia. These include:

• Age: As people get older, their risk of developing achalasia increases.
• Sex assigned at birth: Achalasia can affect people of all genders.
• Genetics: Having a family history of achalasia can increase the risk of developing the condition. If someone has a close relative, such as a parent or sibling, who has been diagnosed with achalasia, their risk may be higher.