What are the symptoms of cardiospasm?
Dec 30, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Shen Yonghua
Introduction
In general, achalasia is a relatively rare esophageal motility disorder. In cases of achalasia, the lower esophageal sphincter, which controls the opening and closing of the cardia, fails to relax properly, making it difficult for food to pass through smoothly and causing it to remain in the esophagus, thereby triggering a series of symptoms. Symptoms of achalasia may include weight loss, dysphagia, epigastric discomfort, retrosternal pain, and vomiting.
Generally, achalasia is a relatively rare esophageal motility disorder. Achalasia may present symptoms such as weight loss, dysphagia, upper abdominal discomfort, retrosternal pain, and vomiting. A detailed analysis is as follows:
1. Weight Loss
Achalasia patients may experience long-term dysphagia, leading to insufficient nutrient intake and subsequent weight loss. Prolonged weight loss can cause physical weakness and reduced immunity.
2. Dysphagia
Patients with achalasia have sustained contraction and narrowing of the lower esophageal sphincter muscles, which obstructs the passage of food and causes difficulty swallowing. This mainly manifests as difficulty in consuming solids or liquids, possibly accompanied by a choking sensation or requiring a longer time to complete the swallowing process. The severity of dysphagia may vary, with periods of relief, and can be influenced by emotional or psychological changes.
3. Upper Abdominal Discomfort
When the lower esophageal sphincter spasms, gastric contents may be prevented from passing smoothly into the intestines, causing upper abdominal discomfort. This discomfort is typically located near the lower end of the sternum and may radiate outward, sometimes accompanied by gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea and vomiting. The discomfort may manifest as dull pain, distension, or a general sense of unease, affecting the patient's daily life and eating habits.
4. Retrosternal Pain
Achalasia may cause local muscle tension and contraction, potentially leading to increased pressure and pain behind the sternum. The pain is generally localized behind the breastbone and may be intermittent or persistent, sometimes radiating to the shoulders and back in severe cases.
5. Vomiting
Achalasia may elevate gastric pressure, forcing gastric contents to reflux into the esophagus and stimulating the esophageal mucosa, thereby triggering the vomiting reflex. Vomiting often occurs suddenly and may be related to overeating or specific foods, with vomitus possibly containing undigested food particles.
Spicy, greasy, and acidic foods may cause gastric discomfort; it is recommended to reduce consumption of these foods. Additionally, maintaining regular meal times and portion control, avoiding overeating, can help reduce the burden on the gastrointestinal tract.
