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Prevention of achalasia of the cardia
Medical expert of the article
Last reviewed: 06.07.2025
Prevention of achalasia cardia is the prevention of a serious disorder of the lower esophagus. Achalasia is a Greek word for spasm, or in other words, the inability to relax. Cardia is the name of the esophagus area located in front of the stomach itself. This disease is notorious for its protracted nature; after the first spasm, the reflex clamps of the esophageal sphincter become chronic. The disease affects people of any age, but most often occurs at the age of up to 40-45 years. Normally, the middle and most distant section (distal) of the esophagus should contract rhythmically. If the wave-like movements, that is, peristalsis, are impaired, a person experiences difficulty swallowing food, as well as painful sensations in the esophagus itself. Gradually, the disease progresses, the tone of the smooth muscles decreases, as does the active activity of the esophagus. Accordingly, food stays in the esophagus longer than expected, which means that associated problems with digestion begin.
Prevention of achalasia cardia is a whole range of measures aimed at minimizing painful sensations. Unfortunately, primary prevention is out of the question today, since the etiology of this disease is still unclear. As a rule, gastroenterologists associate achalasia with neurological diseases. Also, achalasia can be activated by a deficiency of certain vitamins in the body. There is even a pseudo-scientific explanation for cardiospasm, which is another name for achalasia cardia. For example, specialists studying Eastern philosophy explain this disease by a lack of energy in the throat chakra and a blockage of the same energy in the lower chakras. Traditional medicine associates the absence
Reflex mechanism of expansion and opening of the cardia with pathology and lesions of the nervous system - parasympathetic. Modern medicine pays special attention to the plexus, named after the doctor who first described it - Auerbach's plexus. It is responsible for the normal motor activity of the nervous system of the gastrointestinal system (enteric nervous system). Prevention of achalasia of the cardia is also directly related to the exclusion of any infection of the walls of the esophagus.
The first description of achalasia as a separate disease dates back to the 17th century and belongs to the English scientist, Dr. Willis. Similar problems with esophageal peristalsis have different names - this is cardiospasm, and the already mentioned achalasia, and megaesophagus. Both men and women suffer from achalasia, and in the total number of gastroenterological diseases associated with the stomach or esophagus, achalasia occupies no more than 3 percent.
Prevention of achalasia cardia, as it should be - primary, reliable is also possible after a detailed study and a clinically confirmed version of the deficiency of a specific enzyme in the human body. We are talking about a neurotransmitter that is responsible for the amount of nitric oxide. If this assumption finds a positive response in the entire medical world, then it is possible to release special drugs, including those with the help of which it is possible to prevent achalasia cardia.
But since today there is no single competent opinion regarding the cause of achalasia cardia, prevention of achalasia cardia may consist of standard advice regarding a healthy lifestyle and rational nutrition.
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