10 Symptoms and Treatments of Achalasia

8. Difficulty swallowing liquids (late in the illness)

Many conditions can cause difficulties with swallowing. Some people may not be able to swallow liquids. Others may have problems swallowing solids. Once again, it’s a combination of symptoms that matters. One of the treatments recommended for achalasia is Botox injections. This is because the injection paralyzes the nerves in the LES, so they don’t contract.

During an endoscopy, the physician injects the toxin into the LES muscle. A single session relieves the symptoms of most people for a short term. This is a good option for older patients. Even those who are suffering from serious medical conditions may not be able to tolerate balloon dilation or surgery. The disadvantage is that Botox is expensive and its effects do not last long.