What is Esophageal Achalasia?

9. Pharmacological Treatment

If neither pneumatic dilation nor surgical myotomy is appropriate, pharmacological options can alleviate the symptoms of esophageal achalasia. Medications typically include nitrates, which help relax the muscles, and calcium blockers, which reduce lower esophageal sphincter pressure and esophageal contractions. Doctors may also turn to a more aggressive treatment involving the injection of botulinum toxin into the system to cause a type of paralysis that relaxes the esophageal muscles. People who have received this type of treatment report symptom relief for around six months.