Written and medically reviewed by: Assoc. Prof. Cengiz Dibekoğlu, MD, General SurgeryLast updated:
Gastroesophageal Reflux (GERD) — Achalasia
Esophageal motility disorder and dysphagia
Achalasia is failure of the lower esophageal sphincter to relax with impaired esophageal peristalsis. Dysphagia, food stasis, and regurgitation mimic other diseases but heartburn is not typical. Diagnosis requires manometry; treatment includes pneumatic dilation, POEM, or Heller myotomy.
Outcomes of any surgical or interventional procedure may vary from person to person. Please seek a detailed consultation with your physician before any procedure.
© Cengiz Dibekoğlu — illustrative; not for unauthorized use
Figure summary
This educational figure shows: Achalasia.
Key points
Symptoms
In achalasia, dysphagia to both solids and liquids is typical; regurgitation, food stasis, chest discomfort, and weight loss may accompany it.
- Key note inside
Diagnosis
Endoscopy excludes alternate causes; barium swallow may show bird-beak narrowing. Unexplained dysphagia should not be labeled reflux alone — mechanical obstruction and motility disorders must be excluded. High-resolution manometry is the key test to confirm achalasia.
Treatment
Pneumatic dilation, POEM, or Heller myotomy are selected by anatomy, experience, and patient factors. Partial fundoplication after Heller may reduce reflux risk.
- Key note inside
Follow-up
Follow-up is individualized to symptoms and treatment response; routine endoscopic surveillance for cancer screening alone is not standard. Long-standing food stasis carries megaesophagus risk.
Frequently asked questions
Is achalasia the same as reflux?
No. PPIs do not treat achalasia; manometry distinguishes the two.
More chapters in this hub
GERD Symptoms
What patients notice — and which warning signs need urgent care
GERD Diagnosis
How clinicians confirm the problem and stage the next steps
Anti-Reflux Surgery
Surgery: what the procedure aims to do and who it fits
GERD Treatment
Lifestyle, medicines, and surgery timing
Nutrition After Anti-Reflux Surgery
Staged diet after fundoplication
Appointment / info
Evidence
Scientific sources
Show sources · 2ACG / ASGE upper-GI motility guidance for achalasia diagnosis (manometry) and treatment. It must not be confused with GERD.
Evidence
Scientific sources
- 1. ACG clinical guidelines — GI disease and colorectal cancer screeningAmerican College of Gastroenterology (ACG) · Living guidelinesOpen source →
- 2. ASGE guideline library — endoscopy, polypectomy, and achalasiaAmerican Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE) · Guideline libraryOpen source →
Last reviewed: 21 August 2026. Links go to publisher pages.
This page is for education. It is not medical advice and does not replace a visit with your physician.
Medical editor: Assoc. Prof. Cengiz Dibekoğlu, MD · Last medically reviewed: August 2026 · English patient-education chapter.