Achalasia Treatment

At Mubadala Health Dubai, our highly experienced and internationally trained Gastroenterology team provides specialist assessment and advanced treatment for achalasia using the latest in diagnostic testing and minimally invasive therapies designed to restore swallowing comfort and improve day-to-day quality of life.

Symptoms of Achalasia

Symptoms usually develop gradually and may become more noticeable over time. Many people first experience subtle difficulty swallowing before symptoms progress.

Common signs if Achalasia include:

• Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia), particularly with both solids and liquids
• Regurgitation of undigested food
• A sensation of food getting stuck in the chest
• Chest discomfort or pressure after eating
• Unintentional weight loss
• Heartburn-like symptoms
• Night-time coughing or choking episodes

Because achalasia can resemble more common digestive conditions, such as acid reflux – also known as GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease), getting a consultation and evaluation from a specialist is important to confirm the diagnosis early.

Diagnosis and Evaluation

Achalasia requires careful testing to distinguish it from other causes of swallowing difficulty and to guide the most effective treatment approach.

At Mubadala Health Dubai, your assessment will include:

• Esophageal manometry, the gold-standard test used to measure muscle coordination and pressure within the esophagus
• Upper endoscopy (gastroscopy) to examine the esophagus and exclude structural narrowing or obstruction
• Barium swallow imaging, which allows specialists to observe how food and liquids move through the esophagus
• Additional imaging when needed to support a comprehensive evaluation

This structured diagnostic pathway helps ensure an accurate diagnosis and a treatment plan tailored to your condition and symptoms.

Treatment Options for Achalasia

While achalasia cannot currently be cured, modern therapies can significantly treat and improve swallowing; reducing symptoms and their impact.

Treatment at Mubadala Health Dubai is individualized and may include:

• Endoscopic pneumatic dilation to gently widen the lower esophageal sphincter
• Botulinum toxin (Botox) injections to relax the affected muscle
• Peroral Endoscopic Myotomy (POEM), a minimally invasive endoscopic procedure that improves esophageal opening
• Heller myotomy surgery for selected patients who’d benefit from a surgical approach
• Nutritional guidance and supportive care to make eating more comfortable

Your unique treatment plan is based on symptom severity, overall health, and the specific subtype of achalasia identified during testing.

When to Seek Medical Advice

Due to it developing due to changes in the nerves controlling the esophagus, Achalasia is not preventable. However, early diagnosis can prevent complications such as esophageal widening, aspiration, or progressive difficulty in maintaining nutrition.

You should consider specialist assessment if you’re experiencing:

• Persistent or worsening difficulty swallowing
• Frequent regurgitation of food or liquids
• Unexplained weight loss
• Chest discomfort related to eating
• Ongoing reflux symptoms that don’t improve with treatment

Early evaluation can make a meaningful difference in symptom control and long-term outcomes.