Achalazja
Charakterystyka, pielęgnacja i opieka

Akhalazja to rzadkie zaburzenie motoryki przełyku, charakteryzujące się brakiem perystaltyki oraz nieprawidłowym rozkurczem dolnego zwieracza przełyku (LES), prowadzące do czynnościowej niedrożności na poziomie połączenia przełykowo-żołądkowego. Objawy kliniczne obejmują dysfagię, cofanie się niestrawionego pokarmu, ból w klatce piersiowej, utratę masy ciała, kaszel i dławienie się. Diagnostyka opiera się głównie na manometrii przełyku, która ocenia kurczliwość przełyku i rozkurcz LES. Leczenie jest paliatywne i obejmuje farmakoterapię (prokinetyki, blokery kanału wapniowego, azotany), iniekcje botuliny, rozszerzanie pneumatyczne (skuteczne u 70-80% pacjentów) oraz zabiegi chirurgiczne, takie jak laparoskopowa miotomia Hellera (efektywność 85-95% z utrzymaniem efektu u 85% po 10 latach) i POEM (ponad 90% poprawy objawów). Opieka pielęgniarska koncentruje się na ocenie zdolności połykania, zapobieganiu aspiracji, monitorowaniu stanu odżywienia oraz wsparciu psychologicznym.

Akhalazja – charakterystyka schorzenia

Akhalazja to rzadkie zaburzenie motoryki przełyku, dotykające około 1 na 100 000 osób, charakteryzujące się brakiem perystaltyki przełyku oraz nieprawidłowym rozkurczem dolnego zwieracza przełyku (LES). Stan ten powoduje czynnościową niedrożność na poziomie połączenia przełykowo-żołądkowego12. Schorzenie to wynika z uszkodzenia nerwów w przełyku, które uniemożliwiają jego prawidłowe funkcjonowanie. Mięśnie w dolnej części przełyku nie pozwalają na przechodzenie pokarmu do żołądka3. Główne objawy akhalazji obejmują dysfagię (trudności w połykaniu), cofanie się niestrawionego pokarmu, ból w klatce piersiowej, utratę masy ciała, kaszel oraz dławienie się4.

Akhalazja zwykle rozwija się powoli i objawy mogą narastać stopniowo. Diagnoza często jest opóźniona, ponieważ pacjenci mogą doświadczać objawów przez lata przed poszukiwaniem pomocy medycznej, a ich dolegliwości są często błędnie diagnozowane jako choroba refluksowa przełyku (GERD)56. Właściwa diagnoza jest kluczowa dla skutecznego leczenia i opiera się głównie na badaniu manometrycznym przełyku, które mierzy zdolność przełyku do kurczenia się oraz zdolność dolnego zwieracza przełyku do rozkurczania7.

Opieka pielęgnacyjna w akhalazji

Opieka pielęgnacyjna nad pacjentem z akhalazją koncentruje się na kilku kluczowych aspektach, które mają na celu poprawę funkcji połykania, zapobieganie powikłaniom i poprawę jakości życia pacjenta. Poniżej omówiono najważniejsze elementy tej opieki.

Ocena i diagnostyka pielęgnacyjna

Pierwszym krokiem w opiece pielęgnacyjnej jest dokładna ocena stanu pacjenta, która powinna obejmować89:

  • Ocenę zdolności połykania płynów i pokarmów stałych
  • Badanie reakcji na pokarmy o różnej konsystencji i temperaturze
  • Określenie zmienności dysfagii
  • Ocenę reakcji na stres, zmęczenie i inne czynniki
  • Identyfikację metod stosowanych przez pacjenta do radzenia sobie z dysfagią i ich skuteczności
  • Monitorowanie ogólnego stanu pacjenta, funkcji dróg oddechowych, stanu odżywienia

Pielęgniarka powinna prowadzić regularną dokumentację stanu pacjenta, reakcji na leczenie oraz wszelkich niepożądanych działań leków lub zabiegów10.

Diagnoza pielęgnacyjna

Na podstawie przeprowadzonej oceny można zidentyfikować kilka kluczowych diagnoz pielęgnacyjnych u pacjentów z akhalazją1112:

  • Nieskuteczne oczyszczanie dróg oddechowych związane z trudnościami w połykaniu
  • Zaburzenia połykania spowodowane skurczem mięśni przełyku
  • Ryzyko aspiracji związane z cofaniem się pokarmu
  • Deficyt odżywiania związany z trudnościami w przyjmowaniu pokarmów
  • Niepokój i stres związany z chorobą
  • Ból związany ze skurczem mięśni przełyku

Cele opieki pielęgnacyjnej

W opiece nad pacjentem z akhalazją można wyróżnić cele krótko-, średnio- i długoterminowe1314:

Cele krótkoterminowe (w ciągu kilku godzin):
  • Pacjent będzie w stanie bezpiecznie przyjmować pokarm i płyny po wdrożeniu interwencji, takich jak podanie leków
  • Pacjent zaprezentuje prawidłowe techniki karmienia i ćwiczenia połykania
Cele średnioterminowe (w ciągu 2-3 dni):
  • Pacjent będzie spożywał przepisaną dietę i płyny bez większych problemów
  • Nastąpi redukcja objawów bólu związanego ze skurczem przełyku
Cele długoterminowe (w ciągu 1-2 tygodni):
  • Pacjent utrzyma lub poprawi funkcję połykania bez dyskomfortu
  • Pacjent będzie stosował odpowiednie techniki zapobiegające aspiracji

Interwencje pielęgnacyjne w akhalazji

Opieka pielęgnacyjna nad pacjentem z akhalazją obejmuje szereg interwencji mających na celu poprawę funkcji połykania, zapobieganie powikłaniom oraz edukację pacjenta1516.

Modyfikacje diety i techniki jedzenia

Jednym z najważniejszych aspektów opieki pielęgnacyjnej jest wsparcie pacjenta w zakresie odpowiedniego odżywiania i technik jedzenia1718:

  • Zachęcanie do jedzenia małych kęsów i dokładnego żucia pokarmów
  • Zalecanie powolnego jedzenia i unikania połykania dużych objętości pokarmów lub płynów jednorazowo
  • Sugerowanie pozycji wyprostowanej podczas jedzenia, co pozwala grawitacji pomóc w przesuwaniu pokarmu przez przełyk
  • Dostosowanie diety do konsystencji miękkiej lub płynnej w zależności od nasilenia objawów
  • Zachęcanie do picia małych ilości płynów podczas posiłków, aby ułatwić połykanie i pomóc pokarmowi zsunąć się w dół przełyku
  • Zalecanie spożywania mniejszych posiłków, ale częściej (3 mini posiłki i 2-3 przekąski dziennie)
  • Edukacja w zakresie unikania pokarmów, które mogą nasilać skurcze przełyku

Należy ocenić stan odżywienia pacjenta i zachęcać do spożywania pokarmów miękkich, łagodnych, łatwych do trawienia1920.

Opieka pooperacyjna

W przypadku pacjentów poddawanych zabiegom chirurgicznym, takim jak laparoskopowa miotomia Hellera czy POEM (przezustna endoskopowa miotomia), opieka pielęgnacyjna obejmuje2122:

  • Monitorowanie stanu pacjenta po znieczuleniu w sali pooperacyjnej
  • Regularne kontrolowanie funkcji życiowych
  • Monitorowanie miejsca operacji pod kątem oznak infekcji lub powikłań
  • Podawanie leków przeciwbólowych zgodnie z zaleceniami
  • Stosowanie ograniczeń dietetycznych – zazwyczaj dieta jest ograniczona do pokarmów miękkich lub miksowanych przez dwa tygodnie po wypisie
  • Zapewnienie odpowiedniego nawodnienia

Pacjenci zazwyczaj pozostają w szpitalu przez 1-2 dni po zabiegu w celu otrzymania dożylnej antybiotykoterapii i monitorowania procesu zdrowienia przez zespół medyczny23.

Administrowanie leków

Podawanie leków stanowi ważną część opieki pielęgnacyjnej i obejmuje2425:

  • Prokinetyki – poprawiające motorykę przewodu pokarmowego
  • Leki antydepresyjne – mogące łagodzić objawy bólu
  • Leki przeciwskurczowe – zmniejszające napięcie mięśni przełyku
  • Blokery kanału wapniowego (np. nifedypina) – zmniejszające ciśnienie LES
  • Azotany – pomagające w rozkurczeniu mięśnia i złagodzeniu objawów
  • Leki zobojętniające – łagodzące zgagę

Około 10% pacjentów odnosi korzyści z farmakoterapii, która jest stosowana głównie u osób starszych mających przeciwwskazania do rozszerzania pneumatycznego lub operacji26.

Zapobieganie aspiracji

Ze względu na wysokie ryzyko aspiracji u pacjentów z akhalazją, ważne jest wdrożenie interwencji zapobiegających temu powikłaniu2728:

  • Zalecanie pacjentowi uniesienia głowy podczas snu
  • Unikanie przyjmowania pokarmów stałych przed snem
  • Unikanie pozycji leżącej przez co najmniej 3 godziny po posiłku
  • Monitorowanie oznak aspiracji, takich jak kaszel, dławienie się czy gorączka
  • Edukacja pacjenta w zakresie technik bezpiecznego połykania

Edukacja pacjenta i rodziny

Edukacja pacjenta i jego rodziny jest kluczowym elementem opieki pielęgnacyjnej w akhalazji. Obejmuje ona przekazanie informacji na temat2930:

  • Charakteru schorzenia i jego przewlekłego przebiegu
  • Dostępnych opcji leczenia i ich ograniczeń – wyjaśnienie, że leczenie łagodzi objawy, ale nie leczy całkowicie akhalazji
  • Technik modyfikacji diety i adaptacji w celu uniknięcia bólu przełyku, cofania się pokarmu i utraty masy ciała
  • Konieczności regularnych wizyt kontrolnych i dalszej opieki
  • Rozpoznawania objawów powikłań wymagających natychmiastowej pomocy medycznej

Należy podkreślić znaczenie współpracy z zespołem opieki zdrowotnej i przestrzegania zaleceń terapeutycznych31.

Wsparcie psychologiczne i emocjonalne

Akhalazja jako choroba przewlekła może mieć znaczący wpływ na jakość życia pacjenta i jego dobrostan psychiczny. Wsparcie psychologiczne i emocjonalne obejmuje32:

  • Pomoc w radzeniu sobie ze stresem związanym z chorobą przewlekłą
  • Wsparcie w adaptacji do ograniczeń żywieniowych
  • Zachęcanie do wyrażania obaw i frustracji związanych z chorobą
  • W razie potrzeby, kierowanie do specjalistów w zakresie zdrowia psychicznego
  • Włączanie rodziny w proces opieki i wsparcia

Monitorowanie i długoterminowa obserwacja

Ze względu na przewlekły charakter akhalazji, monitorowanie i długoterminowa obserwacja są niezbędne w opiece nad pacjentem3334:

  • Regularne wizyty kontrolne (co 6 miesięcy) w celu oceny skuteczności leczenia
  • Monitorowanie funkcji przełyku i zdolności połykania
  • Obserwacja pod kątem rozwoju powikłań, takich jak refleks żołądkowo-przełykowy czy rozszerzenie przełyku
  • Ocena stanu odżywienia i masy ciała
  • Okresowe badania diagnostyczne, takie jak ezofagogram barytowy czy endoskopia

Wszyscy pacjenci poddawani leczeniu akhalazji wymagają długoterminowej obserwacji, ponieważ dostępne metody leczenia są paliatywne, co skutkuje częstymi nawrotami35.

Współpraca interdyscyplinarna w opiece nad pacjentem z akhalazją

Akhalazja wymaga kompleksowego podejścia i współpracy wielu specjalistów w celu zapewnienia optymalnej opieki nad pacjentem3637:

  • Gastroenterolodzy – przeprowadzają diagnostykę i leczenie endoskopowe
  • Chirurdzy klatki piersiowej – wykonują zabiegi chirurgiczne
  • Pielęgniarki – zapewniają codzienną opiekę i edukację pacjenta
  • Dietetycy – pomagają w opracowaniu odpowiednich zaleceń żywieniowych
  • Logopedzi – mogą pomóc w przypadku trudności z połykaniem
  • Terapeuci oddechowi – wspierają w przypadku powikłań płucnych
  • Psycholodzy – oferują wsparcie psychologiczne

Współpraca między tymi specjalistami pozwala na skoordynowane podejście do diagnozy i leczenia, co prowadzi do lepszych wyników dla pacjentów z akhalazją38.

Efekty leczenia i rokowanie

Akhalazja jest chorobą przewlekłą, która nie ma obecnie możliwości całkowitego wyleczenia. Jednak odpowiednie leczenie może znacząco poprawić jakość życia pacjenta3940.

Efekty różnych metod leczenia są następujące4142:

  • Farmakoterapia – najmniej skuteczna opcja, często z uciążliwymi działaniami niepożądanymi
  • Iniekcje botuliny – zapewniają tymczasową ulgę poprzez porażenie nerwów sygnalizujących LES do skurczu
  • Rozszerzanie pneumatyczne – skuteczne u 70-80% pacjentów, ale może wymagać powtórzenia
  • Chirurgiczna miotomia Hellera – przynosi ulgę objawom u 85-95% pacjentów, a efekty utrzymują się u około 85% pacjentów po 10 latach i 65% po 20 latach
  • POEM (przezustna endoskopowa miotomia) – w ponad 90% przypadków następuje znaczna poprawa objawów, pozwalająca pacjentowi prowadzić niemal normalne życie

W porównaniu z rozszerzaniem pneumatycznym, laparoskopowa miotomia Hellera daje lepsze wyniki pod względem poprawy dysfagii i wskaźników refluksu żołądkowo-przełykowego po operacji, ze znacznie niższym ryzykiem konieczności ponownej interwencji43.

Wyzwania i powikłania w opiece nad pacjentem z akhalazją

Opieka nad pacjentem z akhalazją wiąże się z pewnymi wyzwaniami i możliwymi powikłaniami4445:

  • Aspiracyjne zapalenie płuc – wynikające z zarzucania pokarmu do dróg oddechowych
  • Niedożywienie i niedobory witaminowe – spowodowane trudnościami w przyjmowaniu pokarmów
  • Refluks żołądkowo-przełykowy – częste powikłanie po leczeniu chirurgicznym
  • Rozszerzenie i skręcenie przełyku (megaprzełyk) – w przypadku długotrwałej nieleczonej akhalazji
  • Zwiększone ryzyko raka przełyku – związane z przewlekłym stanem zapalnym błony śluzowej przełyku

Wczesne rozpoznanie i leczenie tych powikłań może zapobiec rozwojowi poważnych stanów, takich jak megaprzełyk czy nowotwór, które mogą wymagać chirurgicznego usunięcia całego przełyku46.

Podsumowanie roli pielęgniarskiej w opiece nad pacjentem z akhalazją

Rola pielęgniarki w opiece nad pacjentem z akhalazją jest wielowymiarowa i kluczowa dla powodzenia leczenia. Główne zadania obejmują4748:

  • Kompleksową ocenę stanu pacjenta i jego potrzeb
  • Planowanie i wdrażanie interwencji pielęgnacyjnych dostosowanych do indywidualnych potrzeb
  • Edukację pacjenta i rodziny w zakresie choroby, leczenia i adaptacji stylu życia
  • Podawanie leków i monitorowanie ich efektów
  • Przygotowanie do zabiegów diagnostycznych i terapeutycznych oraz opiekę po nich
  • Współpracę z innymi członkami zespołu interdyscyplinarnego
  • Monitorowanie stanu pacjenta i reakcji na leczenie
  • Zapobieganie powikłaniom i wczesne ich wykrywanie
  • Wsparcie psychologiczne i emocjonalne

Najważniejszym celem opieki pielęgnacyjnej w akhalazji jest poprawa jakości życia pacjenta i zapewnienie jego bezpieczeństwa49. Poprzez holistyczne podejście do opieki nad pacjentem, pielęgniarka odgrywa kluczową rolę w procesie leczenia i adaptacji do życia z tą przewlekłą chorobą.

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  1. 09.04.2026
  2. www.leksykon.com.pl

Materiały źródłowe

  • #1 Achalasia – StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK519515/
    Achalasia is an esophageal smooth muscle motility disorder that occurs due to a failure of relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter. This condition causes a functional obstruction at the gastroesophageal junction. […] This activity reviews the etiology, pathophysiology, and treatment of this condition, and highlights the need for collaboration amongst interprofessional team members to improve care coordination and in turn improve the diagnosis and treatment of this condition, leading to better outcomes for patients with achalasia. […] Describe how collaboration amongst interprofessional team members to improve care coordination and minimize oversight, leading to earlier diagnosis and treatment and better outcomes for patients with achalasia. […] Treatment is to ease the symptoms of achalasia by decreasing the outflow resistance caused by a non-relaxing and hypertensive lower esophageal sphincter. Current treatment modalities for primary idiopathic achalasia are nonsurgical or surgical.
  • #2 Achalasia (Esophagus Disorder): Symptoms, Causes, Treatments
    https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17534-achalasia
    Achalasia is a rare disorder in which damaged nerves in your esophagus prevent it from working as it should. Muscles at the lower end of your esophagus fail to allow food to enter your stomach. Treatment includes both nonsurgical (Botox injections, balloon dilation, medicines) and surgical options. […] Several treatments are available for achalasia including nonsurgical options (balloon dilation, medications, and botulinum toxin injection) and surgical options. The goal of treatment is to relieve your symptoms by relaxing your lower esophageal sphincter (LES). […] Long-term follow-up is needed regardless of which treatment you receive. This is because treatments are palliative meaning they relieve symptoms and do not cure achalasia or halt its progression. Symptoms can return. Your healthcare provider will want to see if your esophagus is adequately allowing food to enter your stomach and to check for gastroesophageal reflux, which would need to be treated. Your doctor will also want to monitor you to be sure cancer has not developed.
  • #3 Achalasia – Esophageal Health | UCLA Health
    https://www.uclahealth.org/medical-services/gastro/esophageal-health/diseases-we-treat/achalasia
    Achalasia is a disease of the nerve and muscle function of the esophagus and lower esophageal sphincter (LES). […] The main symptom of achalasia is dysphagia, meaning difficulty in swallowing. […] The cardinal symptoms of achalasia (dysphagia, regurgitation, weight loss, chest pain) are not specific to achalasia. […] There is no known cure for achalasia. All of the treatment options are palliative, meaning they strive to reduce or eliminate the major symptoms of achalasia and to improve quality of life. […] Medications (such as calcium channel blockers or nitrates) have been used to treat the symptoms of achalasia; they are often have intolerable side effects and may not be definitive or durably effective and are thus rarely used. […] Botulinum toxin (BoTox) injected into the muscle of the esophagus and GEJ with endoscopic guidance works by paralyzing the muscle and allowing relaxation.
  • #4 Achalasia | Henry Ford Health – Detroit, MI
    https://www.henryford.com/services/digestive/gi-motility-disorders/conditions/achalasia
    Difficulty swallowing. Regurgitation. Unintentional weight loss. […] Achalasia is a swallowing disorder that occurs when the nerves and muscles in your esophagus (tube that carries food and liquid from your throat to your stomach) dont work properly. […] Common symptoms of achalasia include: Chest pain, Coughing or choking, Dysphagia (difficulty swallowing), Feeling of food being stuck in your throat or chest, Heartburn, Regurgitation (spitting up undigested food and liquid), Unintentional weight loss. […] At Henry Ford, we understand that swallowing disorders can affect every aspect of your life, from your diet and sleep to your emotional well-being. A multispecialty team works together to build a treatment plan tailored to your needs and preferences. […] Achalasia treatment aims to help food move from your esophagus into your stomach more easily. Treatments range from dietary changes to minimally invasive procedures such as peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM).
  • #5 Achalasia Management Case – Enclara Pharmacia
    https://enclarapharmacia.com/palliative-pearls/achalasia-management-case
    Achalasia is a disorder that results from inflammation and degeneration of neurons in the esophageal wall causing the lower esophageal sphincter to fail to relax and a loss of peristalsis in the distal esophagus. Achalasia has an insidious onset and progression is gradual. Patients may experience symptoms for years prior to seeking treatment and are often treated for other disorders, such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), before achalasia is diagnosed. Common symptoms include: Dysphagia for solids and liquids, Regurgitation of bland undigested food or saliva (aspiration risk), Difficulty belching, Substernal chest pain and heartburn, Hiccups, Mild weight loss. The main management goal is to reduce the resting pressure in the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) enough to no longer obstruct the passage of ingested food/liquid from the esophagus to the stomach. It is important to note that available treatments will not normalize swallowing, only improve it, and efficacy of all treatments tend to decrease over time. The most effective therapies for achalasia are surgery to weaken the LES by cutting muscle fibers and pneumatic dilation (PD) using a balloon to dilate the LES. For patients not suited for these procedures, botulinum toxin injection into the LES to lessen muscle tone is a less invasive. Pharmacologic therapy is the least effective option but should be considered for patients not suited for PD or surgery or who have failed botulinum toxin therapy. Other medications used to treat achalasia, with limited data to support their use include: 5-phosphodiesterase inhibitors (i.e., sildenafil), Anticholinergics (i.e., atropine, dicyclomine), Beta adrenergic agonists (i.e., terbutaline), Theophylline. AR is not a candidate for surgery nor PD. Botulinum toxin injection, although less invasive, is costly and would require a visit to the hospital for an outpatient procedure and is therefore not aligned with his goals of care. AR is assessed for route of administration options for pharmacologic therapy. Although he can swallow small volumes of liquid multiple times per day, his intake of liquid nutrition is not consistent and timing of nifedipine or isosorbide dinitrate before meals would be difficult. In addition to a switch to proton pump inhibitor therapy with omeprazole, nitroglycerin sublingual tablets are recommended for administration prior to meals.
  • #6 Achalasia | UCI Health | Orange County, CA
    https://ucihealth.org/medical-services/conditions/achalasia
    Achalasia is a rare and debilitating disorder of the esophagus that blocks food from passing to the stomach. […] Achalasia sufferers often regurgitate their meals, they are often misdiagnosed as having gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD. […] Achalasia affects an estimated one in 100,000 people and it is usually diagnosed in adults between 25 and 60 years of age. […] This progressive condition occurs when the esophagus the muscular tube that connects the throat to the stomach has difficulty moving food to the stomach. […] In achalasia sufferers, the ability of the esophagus to push food downward is impaired and the sphincter muscle fails to relax. Symptoms often begin with difficulty swallowing, but over time, the degenerative disorder can lead to: Distension of the esophagus, Chest pain, Heart burn, Regurgitation, Vomiting, Weight loss, Lung problems (from breathing food or liquids into airways).
  • #7 Achalasia Information and Treatment Options | Froedtert & MCW
    https://www.froedtert.com/gastroenterology/esophagus-disease/achalasia-poem
    Achalasia causes the nerves in the esophagus to degenerate, which leads to two significant problems. […] The best way to confirm an achalasia diagnosis is by using an esophageal manometry test, which measures the esophagus ability to squeeze and the ability of the lower esophageal sphincter to relax. […] After diagnosis, patients and their providers can select from a range of treatments. […] While none of these treatments are a cure for achalasia, the POEM procedure allows patients symptoms to resolve and brings back their swallowing ability. […] If left untreated, individuals with achalasia face a difficult future.
  • #8 Nursing care plan for achalasia
    https://nursipedia.com/nursing-care-plan-achalasia/
    Achalasia is a rare motor disorder of the esophagus or food pipe. It is caused by loss of nerve cells which normally line the lower part of the esophagus and relax the muscles to allow food to pass into the stomach. […] Ineffective airway clearance occurs when the patient is unable to clear secretions from the airway, usually due to difficulty swallowing. […] Impaired swallowing occurs when the patient is unable to swallow due to the esophageal muscle spasm associated with Achalasia. […] Improvement in airway clearance means that mucous secretions are cleared more easily from the airways. […] Improvement in swallowing function means that the patient is able to swallow food more easily and safely. […] Positioning the patient in an upright position encourages improvement in swallowing function.
  • #9 Nursing care plan for achalasia
    https://nursipedia.com/nursing-care-plan-achalasia/
    Educate the patient on methods of maintaining good oral hygiene and avoiding foods that may aggravate esophageal spasms. […] Assess nutrition status to ensure all dietary needs are met and encourage use of soft, bland, debarked and easy to digest foods. […] Administer medications as prescribed by the physician such as prokinetics, antidepressants, and antispasmodics. […] Surgical intervention may be required in cases where medications have not been effective. […] It is important to assess the patient’s general condition, airway function, swallow function, nutrition status and response to treatment on a regular basis. Additionally, it is important to document any adverse reactions to medications or treatments. […] Nursing care plans for achalasia should include assessment, nursing diagnosis, outcomes, interventions and rationales, evaluation and follow-up. The most important goal is to improve the patients quality of life and maintain their safety. […] The goal of nursing care for achalasia is to improve the patients quality of life and maintain their safety.
  • #10 Achalasia disease of GIT | PPT
    https://www.slideshare.net/slideshow/achalasia-disease-of-git/67541382
    Nursing diagnosis Dysphagia (difficulty in swallowing) related to aperistalsis. Backflow of food related to narrowing of esophageal hiatus. Heart burn related to reflux of food. Pain related to spasm of the esophageal muscle. Anxiety and stress related to disease. […] The nurse works with the patient and family to explore diet and lifestyle modifications that will best control dysphagia, which is prominent in achalasia. Education begins with careful assessment of the scope of dysphagia, which includes the following: o Swallowing ability with liquids v/s solids. o Response to foods of different textures and temperature. o Variability of the dysphagia. o Response to stress, fatigue and other activities. o Approaches used by the patient to manage the dysphagia and the degree of success. […] Give antacid to relieve from heart burn. Give analgesics to relieve from pain. Encourage the patient and provide emotional support.
  • #11 Nursing care plan for achalasia
    https://nursipedia.com/nursing-care-plan-achalasia/
    Achalasia is a rare motor disorder of the esophagus or food pipe. It is caused by loss of nerve cells which normally line the lower part of the esophagus and relax the muscles to allow food to pass into the stomach. […] Ineffective airway clearance occurs when the patient is unable to clear secretions from the airway, usually due to difficulty swallowing. […] Impaired swallowing occurs when the patient is unable to swallow due to the esophageal muscle spasm associated with Achalasia. […] Improvement in airway clearance means that mucous secretions are cleared more easily from the airways. […] Improvement in swallowing function means that the patient is able to swallow food more easily and safely. […] Positioning the patient in an upright position encourages improvement in swallowing function.
  • #12 Achalasia disease of GIT | PPT
    https://www.slideshare.net/slideshow/achalasia-disease-of-git/67541382
    Nursing diagnosis Dysphagia (difficulty in swallowing) related to aperistalsis. Backflow of food related to narrowing of esophageal hiatus. Heart burn related to reflux of food. Pain related to spasm of the esophageal muscle. Anxiety and stress related to disease. […] The nurse works with the patient and family to explore diet and lifestyle modifications that will best control dysphagia, which is prominent in achalasia. Education begins with careful assessment of the scope of dysphagia, which includes the following: o Swallowing ability with liquids v/s solids. o Response to foods of different textures and temperature. o Variability of the dysphagia. o Response to stress, fatigue and other activities. o Approaches used by the patient to manage the dysphagia and the degree of success. […] Give antacid to relieve from heart burn. Give analgesics to relieve from pain. Encourage the patient and provide emotional support.
  • #13 Achalasia NCP | PDF | Malnutrition | Clinical Medicine
    https://www.scribd.com/document/698801281/ACHALASIA-NCP-1
    The nursing care plan is for a client with achalasia, characterized by impaired swallowing. Short term goals include the client being able to safely pass food and fluids after interventions like medications. […] Medium term goals within 3 days include consuming prescribed diet/fluids without issues. Long term goals within 5 days include maintaining swallowing function without discomfort. […] Interventions include administering medications, monitoring swallowing ability and nutritional status, and assessing for signs of aspiration or malnutrition. The expected outcomes are improved but still difficult swallowing function with ongoing risks to safety.
  • #14 David Achalasia NCP | PDF | Nursing | Health Sciences
    https://www.scribd.com/document/698443644/DAVID-ACHALASIA-NCP
    The nursing care plan addresses a client with achalasia who is experiencing difficulty swallowing. Short term goals include demonstrating proper feeding techniques and swallowing exercises within 2 hours. Long term goals include improved swallowing ability without discomfort after 1-2 weeks. Interventions include administering prescribed medications to relax muscles, maintaining proper positioning during meals, monitoring for respiratory distress, offering small frequent meals, and discouraging lying down after eating. The plan aims to improve swallowing and prevent complications like aspiration.
  • #15 Nursing care plan for achalasia
    https://nursipedia.com/nursing-care-plan-achalasia/
    Educate the patient on methods of maintaining good oral hygiene and avoiding foods that may aggravate esophageal spasms. […] Assess nutrition status to ensure all dietary needs are met and encourage use of soft, bland, debarked and easy to digest foods. […] Administer medications as prescribed by the physician such as prokinetics, antidepressants, and antispasmodics. […] Surgical intervention may be required in cases where medications have not been effective. […] It is important to assess the patient’s general condition, airway function, swallow function, nutrition status and response to treatment on a regular basis. Additionally, it is important to document any adverse reactions to medications or treatments. […] Nursing care plans for achalasia should include assessment, nursing diagnosis, outcomes, interventions and rationales, evaluation and follow-up. The most important goal is to improve the patients quality of life and maintain their safety. […] The goal of nursing care for achalasia is to improve the patients quality of life and maintain their safety.
  • #16 Achalasia disease of GIT | PPT
    https://www.slideshare.net/slideshow/achalasia-disease-of-git/67541382
    Nursing diagnosis Dysphagia (difficulty in swallowing) related to aperistalsis. Backflow of food related to narrowing of esophageal hiatus. Heart burn related to reflux of food. Pain related to spasm of the esophageal muscle. Anxiety and stress related to disease. […] The nurse works with the patient and family to explore diet and lifestyle modifications that will best control dysphagia, which is prominent in achalasia. Education begins with careful assessment of the scope of dysphagia, which includes the following: o Swallowing ability with liquids v/s solids. o Response to foods of different textures and temperature. o Variability of the dysphagia. o Response to stress, fatigue and other activities. o Approaches used by the patient to manage the dysphagia and the degree of success. […] Give antacid to relieve from heart burn. Give analgesics to relieve from pain. Encourage the patient and provide emotional support.
  • #17 achalasia | Taber’s Medical Dictionary
    https://nursing.unboundmedicine.com/nursingcentral/view/Tabers-Dictionary/749393/all/achalasia
    Some patients with achalasia benefit from eating slowly, taking small bites, and avoiding swallowing large volumes of food or liquid. […] Patient education centers on adaptations the patient may make to avoid esophageal pain, regurgitation, and weight loss. […] Some patients are referred for surgical myotomy or esophageal dilation, but these procedures vary in their effectiveness.
  • #18 Achalasia (Esophagus Disorder): Symptoms, Causes, Treatments
    https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17534-achalasia
    Helpful lifestyle changes you can make include: Cut your food into small, bite-size pieces and eat in an upright position. This will allow gravity to help move food through your esophagus. Never lay flat. This will increase your risk of aspirating food into your lungs. Sleep with your head elevated. Avoid eating solid foods at bedtime.
  • #19 Nursing care plan for achalasia
    https://nursipedia.com/nursing-care-plan-achalasia/
    Educate the patient on methods of maintaining good oral hygiene and avoiding foods that may aggravate esophageal spasms. […] Assess nutrition status to ensure all dietary needs are met and encourage use of soft, bland, debarked and easy to digest foods. […] Administer medications as prescribed by the physician such as prokinetics, antidepressants, and antispasmodics. […] Surgical intervention may be required in cases where medications have not been effective. […] It is important to assess the patient’s general condition, airway function, swallow function, nutrition status and response to treatment on a regular basis. Additionally, it is important to document any adverse reactions to medications or treatments. […] Nursing care plans for achalasia should include assessment, nursing diagnosis, outcomes, interventions and rationales, evaluation and follow-up. The most important goal is to improve the patients quality of life and maintain their safety. […] The goal of nursing care for achalasia is to improve the patients quality of life and maintain their safety.
  • #20 Achalasia: nutrition therapy – AGA GI Patient Center
    https://patient.gastro.org/achalasia-nutrition-therapy/
    Achalasia is a motility (movement) disorder of the esophagus, which is the tube that connects the mouth to the stomach. A muscle at the lower end of the esophagus called the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) controls the movement of food into the stomach. When people have achalasia, the LES doesn’t work properly and does not relax. […] When the LES is not working properly it causes food and drink to remain in the esophagus and not move into the stomach. Symptoms associated with achalasia may include difficulty swallowing, regurgitation, heartburn, weight loss, chest pain and coughing. An altered diet can help. […] Adopt a soft textured diet. For more severe cases, a pureed or liquid diet may be needed. […] Sip small amounts of liquids with meals to ease swallowing and help food slide down the esophagus. […] Do not go to bed immediately after a meal. Allow about three hours after eating before laying down to prevent regurgitation and heartburn. […] To get all your nutritional needs met and prevent weight loss, it may be helpful to eat three mini meals and two to three snacks daily.
  • #21 Achalasia: incision-free treatment yields poetic outcome | University of Iowa Health Care
    https://uihc.org/patient-story/achalasia-incision-free-treatment-yields-poetic-outcome
    Back in Iowa, after talking with his family doctor, Dan contacted UI Hospitals Clinics. There, he met cardiothoracic surgeon Mark Iannettoni, MD, who suggested POEM as a treatment for his condition. […] The procedure was so new, in fact, that UI Hospitals Clinics was one of fewer than two dozen medical centers in the United Statesand the first in Iowato offer it. […] Before the POEM procedure was developed (by a physician in Japan in 2008), the standard achalasia treatment was a laparoscopic Heller myotomy, a minimally invasive surgery that is effective but requires five incisions in the abdomen to reach the treatment site. […] POEM, Keech explains, uses an endoscope (a thin, flexible tube with a light and video camera) through the sedated patients mouth. Using a tiny blade that passes through the endoscope, doctors make a small slit in the lining of the esophagus to reach, and carefully divide, the muscle thats restricting the passage of food.
  • #22 Achalasia: incision-free treatment yields poetic outcome | University of Iowa Health Care
    https://uihc.org/patient-story/achalasia-incision-free-treatment-yields-poetic-outcome
    For patients, POEM means minimal, if any, pain and a shorter recovery time than with laparoscopic surgery. […] The patient typically spends one night in the hospital, just like they would with the surgical approach, but they usually dont need pain medications from having multiple incisions, Keech says. […] On Nov. 27, 2013, Dan became the first patient at UI Hospitals Clinics to undergo the POEM. Keech and Gerke performed the procedure in less than two hours, and all went smoothly. […] I can highly recommend it. The doctors, nurses, everybodyit was an overall positive experience, he says. […] As for meals, Dan can eat anything and everything, as much as I want, he says, adding with a chuckle, I may even have put on a few poundsbut Im not complaining.
  • #23 UH Experts Offer Advanced Treatments for Achalasia | Digestive Health Services | University Hospitals | Cleveland, OH | University Hospitals
    https://www.uhhospitals.org/services/digestive-health-services/conditions-and-treatments/esophageal-disease/conditions-and-treatments/swallowing-disorders/achalasia
    Achalasia is a chronic disease for which there is no cure. However, the digestive health experts at University Hospitals can help to manage your symptoms with certain lifestyle changes and minimally invasive therapies or surgery, including: […] Although dietary changes may help to reduce symptoms, the most definitive treatment for achalasia is a relatively new, minimally invasive endoscopic procedure called Per-Oral Endoscopic Myotomy or POEM. […] Most patients will be kept in the hospital for an average of two days to receive intravenous antibiotics and have their recovery monitored by their care team. […] University Hospitals Digestive Health Institute is proud to offer patients this procedure, through Jeffrey Marks, MD, general surgeon and Director of Surgical Endoscopy at UH Cleveland Medical Center. Dr. Marks has been specially trained to perform POEM and further explains the procedure in this video.
  • #24 Nursing care plan for achalasia
    https://nursipedia.com/nursing-care-plan-achalasia/
    Educate the patient on methods of maintaining good oral hygiene and avoiding foods that may aggravate esophageal spasms. […] Assess nutrition status to ensure all dietary needs are met and encourage use of soft, bland, debarked and easy to digest foods. […] Administer medications as prescribed by the physician such as prokinetics, antidepressants, and antispasmodics. […] Surgical intervention may be required in cases where medications have not been effective. […] It is important to assess the patient’s general condition, airway function, swallow function, nutrition status and response to treatment on a regular basis. Additionally, it is important to document any adverse reactions to medications or treatments. […] Nursing care plans for achalasia should include assessment, nursing diagnosis, outcomes, interventions and rationales, evaluation and follow-up. The most important goal is to improve the patients quality of life and maintain their safety. […] The goal of nursing care for achalasia is to improve the patients quality of life and maintain their safety.
  • #25 Achalasia Treatment & Management: Approach Considerations, Medical Care, Surgical Care
    https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/169974-treatment
    The goal of therapy for achalasia is to relieve symptoms by eliminating the outflow resistance caused by the hypertensive and nonrelaxing lower esophageal sphincter (LES). Once the obstruction is relieved, the food bolus can travel through the aperistaltic body of the esophagus by gravity. […] Calcium channel blockers and nitrates are used to decrease LES pressure. Approximately 10% of patients benefit from this treatment. This treatment is used primarily in elderly patients who have contraindications to either pneumatic dilation or surgery. […] Pneumatic dilation performed by a qualified gastroenterologist is a common treatment for achalasia. A balloon is inflated at the level of the gastroesophageal junction to blindly rupture the muscle fibers while leaving the mucosa intact. The success rate is 70-80%, and the perforation rate is approximately 5%.
  • #26 Achalasia Treatment & Management: Approach Considerations, Medical Care, Surgical Care
    https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/169974-treatment
    The goal of therapy for achalasia is to relieve symptoms by eliminating the outflow resistance caused by the hypertensive and nonrelaxing lower esophageal sphincter (LES). Once the obstruction is relieved, the food bolus can travel through the aperistaltic body of the esophagus by gravity. […] Calcium channel blockers and nitrates are used to decrease LES pressure. Approximately 10% of patients benefit from this treatment. This treatment is used primarily in elderly patients who have contraindications to either pneumatic dilation or surgery. […] Pneumatic dilation performed by a qualified gastroenterologist is a common treatment for achalasia. A balloon is inflated at the level of the gastroesophageal junction to blindly rupture the muscle fibers while leaving the mucosa intact. The success rate is 70-80%, and the perforation rate is approximately 5%.
  • #27 Achalasia (Esophagus Disorder): Symptoms, Causes, Treatments
    https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17534-achalasia
    Helpful lifestyle changes you can make include: Cut your food into small, bite-size pieces and eat in an upright position. This will allow gravity to help move food through your esophagus. Never lay flat. This will increase your risk of aspirating food into your lungs. Sleep with your head elevated. Avoid eating solid foods at bedtime.
  • #28 Achalasia
    https://healthlibrary.sjchs.org/ReturningtoCare/134,167
    You may also need repeat treatments. Treatment may include the following. […] Achalasia is a chronic condition. But you can manage it by working with your healthcare provider to create a treatment plan. Your healthcare team will need to see you 1 or 2 times a year, even after your symptoms have lessened. You may need repeat endoscopy and esophogram procedures. […] If you have symptoms of dysphagia or regurgitation: Stop smoking. Don’t eat foods or have drinks that give you heartburn. Drink plenty of fluids when eating. Chew your food well. Eat smaller meals more often. Don’t overeat late at night. If you have symptoms at night, prop up the head of your bed. […] Call your healthcare provider if you have any questions about your medicines or treatment. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any of these: Trouble swallowing that gets worse, Regurgitation that gets worse, Waking up coughing or choking at night, Symptoms of infection, such as chills or fever, Chest pain or trouble breathing (Call 911). […] Achalasia usually develops slowly. It becomes harder to swallow food and drinks over time. […] There is no known cure. But treatments can manage your symptoms. Treatment may include pneumatic dilation, botulinum toxin injections, surgery, or medicines.
  • #29
    https://journals.lww.com/gastroenterologynursing/abstract/1993/12000/managing_esophageal_achalasia__medical_and_nursing.7.aspx
    Achalasia is a motility disorder of the esophagus characterized by total loss of esophageal peristalsis and by defective lower esophageal sphincter function. […] The importance of patient education for effective management of this chronic illness is discussed.
  • #30 achalasia | Taber’s Medical Dictionary
    https://nursing.unboundmedicine.com/nursingcentral/view/Tabers-Dictionary/749393/all/achalasia
    Some patients with achalasia benefit from eating slowly, taking small bites, and avoiding swallowing large volumes of food or liquid. […] Patient education centers on adaptations the patient may make to avoid esophageal pain, regurgitation, and weight loss. […] Some patients are referred for surgical myotomy or esophageal dilation, but these procedures vary in their effectiveness.
  • #31 Support for Achalasia | NYU Langone Health
    https://nyulangone.org/conditions/achalasia/support
    The NYU Langone Center for Esophageal Health has a multidisciplinary team of specialists including gastroenterologists, surgeons, nutritionists, and others who provide continued care for people with achalasia. […] After treatment has ended, your NYU Langone gastroenterologist recommends follow-up visits about every six months to monitor your digestive health. During these visits, he or she may order barium esophagrams or endoscopies to ensure the condition has been treated effectively. If needed, your doctor can prescribe or adjust medication or other treatments to help relieve symptoms and prevent the condition from recurring. […] Our experts also offer nutritional counseling and emotional support during and after treatment. […] Achalasia can interfere with swallowing certain foods and can cause dramatic weight loss. Choosing foods that help reduce discomfort and promote weight gain may improve your quality of life. NYU Langone nutritionists are available to help you create a diet tailored to your needs. […] Living with achalasia can cause anxiety and stress. NYU Langone counselors can offer advice on how to reduce stress and cope with this chronic condition.
  • #32 Support for Achalasia | NYU Langone Health
    https://nyulangone.org/conditions/achalasia/support
    The NYU Langone Center for Esophageal Health has a multidisciplinary team of specialists including gastroenterologists, surgeons, nutritionists, and others who provide continued care for people with achalasia. […] After treatment has ended, your NYU Langone gastroenterologist recommends follow-up visits about every six months to monitor your digestive health. During these visits, he or she may order barium esophagrams or endoscopies to ensure the condition has been treated effectively. If needed, your doctor can prescribe or adjust medication or other treatments to help relieve symptoms and prevent the condition from recurring. […] Our experts also offer nutritional counseling and emotional support during and after treatment. […] Achalasia can interfere with swallowing certain foods and can cause dramatic weight loss. Choosing foods that help reduce discomfort and promote weight gain may improve your quality of life. NYU Langone nutritionists are available to help you create a diet tailored to your needs. […] Living with achalasia can cause anxiety and stress. NYU Langone counselors can offer advice on how to reduce stress and cope with this chronic condition.
  • #33 Achalasia (Esophagus Disorder): Symptoms, Causes, Treatments
    https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17534-achalasia
    Achalasia is a rare disorder in which damaged nerves in your esophagus prevent it from working as it should. Muscles at the lower end of your esophagus fail to allow food to enter your stomach. Treatment includes both nonsurgical (Botox injections, balloon dilation, medicines) and surgical options. […] Several treatments are available for achalasia including nonsurgical options (balloon dilation, medications, and botulinum toxin injection) and surgical options. The goal of treatment is to relieve your symptoms by relaxing your lower esophageal sphincter (LES). […] Long-term follow-up is needed regardless of which treatment you receive. This is because treatments are palliative meaning they relieve symptoms and do not cure achalasia or halt its progression. Symptoms can return. Your healthcare provider will want to see if your esophagus is adequately allowing food to enter your stomach and to check for gastroesophageal reflux, which would need to be treated. Your doctor will also want to monitor you to be sure cancer has not developed.
  • #34 Achalasia – StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK519515/
    Pneumatic dilatation of the esophagus via endoscopy is the most cost-effective non-surgical therapy for achalasia. […] The recommended step for reducing pressure across the lower esophageal sphincter is surgical myotomy, which can be done laparoscopically. […] All patients who undergo treatment for achalasia need long-term follow-up because all available treatments are palliative, making recurrences common. […] Consultation with a thoracic surgeon and a gastroenterologist for management is essential. […] Achalasia is a rare disorder of the esophagus with no cure. All currently available treatments remain palliative. The disorder is best managed with an interprofessional team to ensure good outcomes.
  • #35 Achalasia – StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK519515/
    Pneumatic dilatation of the esophagus via endoscopy is the most cost-effective non-surgical therapy for achalasia. […] The recommended step for reducing pressure across the lower esophageal sphincter is surgical myotomy, which can be done laparoscopically. […] All patients who undergo treatment for achalasia need long-term follow-up because all available treatments are palliative, making recurrences common. […] Consultation with a thoracic surgeon and a gastroenterologist for management is essential. […] Achalasia is a rare disorder of the esophagus with no cure. All currently available treatments remain palliative. The disorder is best managed with an interprofessional team to ensure good outcomes.
  • #36 Achalasia – StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK519515/
    Achalasia is an esophageal smooth muscle motility disorder that occurs due to a failure of relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter. This condition causes a functional obstruction at the gastroesophageal junction. […] This activity reviews the etiology, pathophysiology, and treatment of this condition, and highlights the need for collaboration amongst interprofessional team members to improve care coordination and in turn improve the diagnosis and treatment of this condition, leading to better outcomes for patients with achalasia. […] Describe how collaboration amongst interprofessional team members to improve care coordination and minimize oversight, leading to earlier diagnosis and treatment and better outcomes for patients with achalasia. […] Treatment is to ease the symptoms of achalasia by decreasing the outflow resistance caused by a non-relaxing and hypertensive lower esophageal sphincter. Current treatment modalities for primary idiopathic achalasia are nonsurgical or surgical.
  • #37 Achalasia – Care at Mayo Clinic – Mayo Clinic
    https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/achalasia/care-at-mayo-clinic/mac-20352853
    Mayo Clinic’s achalasia team includes doctors trained in digestive disorders, called gastroenterologists. Specialists in the Esophageal Clinic are frequently involved in care. […] Having all of this expertise in a single place, focused on you, means that you’re not just getting one opinion care is discussed among the team, appointments are scheduled in coordination and highly specialized achalasia experts are all working together to determine what’s best for you. […] We are able to provide a multi-disciplinary, comprehensive and coordinated approach to consultations with gastroenterology and thoracic surgery specialists. […] And then we have a newer treatment called peroral endoscopic myotomy or POEM, which is kind of a marriage between endoscopic approach and a surgical approach, where we go in with a scope through the mouth, but we kind of do the cutting from the inside out rather than the outside in like we would with the surgery.
  • #38 Achalasia – StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK519515/
    Achalasia is an esophageal smooth muscle motility disorder that occurs due to a failure of relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter. This condition causes a functional obstruction at the gastroesophageal junction. […] This activity reviews the etiology, pathophysiology, and treatment of this condition, and highlights the need for collaboration amongst interprofessional team members to improve care coordination and in turn improve the diagnosis and treatment of this condition, leading to better outcomes for patients with achalasia. […] Describe how collaboration amongst interprofessional team members to improve care coordination and minimize oversight, leading to earlier diagnosis and treatment and better outcomes for patients with achalasia. […] Treatment is to ease the symptoms of achalasia by decreasing the outflow resistance caused by a non-relaxing and hypertensive lower esophageal sphincter. Current treatment modalities for primary idiopathic achalasia are nonsurgical or surgical.
  • #39 Achalasia (Esophagus Disorder): Symptoms, Causes, Treatments
    https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17534-achalasia
    Achalasia is a rare disorder in which damaged nerves in your esophagus prevent it from working as it should. Muscles at the lower end of your esophagus fail to allow food to enter your stomach. Treatment includes both nonsurgical (Botox injections, balloon dilation, medicines) and surgical options. […] Several treatments are available for achalasia including nonsurgical options (balloon dilation, medications, and botulinum toxin injection) and surgical options. The goal of treatment is to relieve your symptoms by relaxing your lower esophageal sphincter (LES). […] Long-term follow-up is needed regardless of which treatment you receive. This is because treatments are palliative meaning they relieve symptoms and do not cure achalasia or halt its progression. Symptoms can return. Your healthcare provider will want to see if your esophagus is adequately allowing food to enter your stomach and to check for gastroesophageal reflux, which would need to be treated. Your doctor will also want to monitor you to be sure cancer has not developed.
  • #40 Patient education: Achalasia (Beyond the Basics) – UpToDate
    https://www.uptodate.com/contents/achalasia-beyond-the-basics
    Achalasia is an uncommon swallowing disorder that affects about 1 in every 100,000 people. The major symptom of achalasia is usually difficulty with swallowing. Most people are diagnosed between the ages of 25 and 60 years. Although the condition cannot be cured, the symptoms can usually be controlled with treatment. […] Several options are available for the treatment of achalasia. Unfortunately, none can stop or reverse the underlying loss of nerve cells in the esophagus of patients with achalasia. However, the treatments are usually effective for improving symptoms. […] Drug therapy is the least invasive option for treating achalasia. However, most people find that long-term nitrate therapy is inconvenient, ineffective, and often associated with unpleasant side effects, such as headache and low blood pressure.
  • #41 Patient education: Achalasia (Beyond the Basics) – UpToDate
    https://www.uptodate.com/contents/achalasia-beyond-the-basics
    Balloon dilation is typically performed during endoscopy, during which the physician positions a deflated balloon in the LES. An X-ray machine is often used to guide placement of the balloon. […] Surgery relieves symptoms in 70 to 90 percent of people. Symptom relief is sustained in about 85 percent of people 10 years after surgery and in about 65 percent of people 20 years after the surgery. […] Botulinum toxin injections temporarily paralyze the nerves that signal the LES to contract, thereby helping to relieve the obstruction. […] Since none of the treatments for achalasia cure the underlying disease, regular follow-up is needed. The goal is to recognize and treat recurrent symptoms or complications of treatment (eg, acid reflux) early. Recognizing and treating these problems can help to prevent the development of severe enlargement of the esophagus (mega-esophagus) and cancer, which could require surgical removal of the entire esophagus.
  • #42 Achalasia Treatment & Management: Approach Considerations, Medical Care, Surgical Care
    https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/169974-treatment
    A laparoscopic Heller myotomy is considered by many to be the appropriate primary treatment of patients with achalasia. […] Patients remain hospitalized for 24-48 hours and return to regular activities in about 2 weeks. […] The operation relieves symptoms in 85-95% of patients, and the incidence of postoperative reflux is about 20%. […] For patients in whom surgery fails, they may be treated with an endoscopic dilation first. If this fails, a second operation (extending the previous myotomy onto the anterior gastric wall) can be attempted once the cause of failure has been identified with imaging studies. The last resort is to surgically remove the esophagus (ie, esophagectomy). […] Compared with pneumatic dilation, laparoscopic Heller myotomy is associated with better results in terms of dysphagia improvement and postoperative gastroesophageal reflux rates, with a significantly lower risk of re-intervention.
  • #43 Achalasia Treatment & Management: Approach Considerations, Medical Care, Surgical Care
    https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/169974-treatment
    A laparoscopic Heller myotomy is considered by many to be the appropriate primary treatment of patients with achalasia. […] Patients remain hospitalized for 24-48 hours and return to regular activities in about 2 weeks. […] The operation relieves symptoms in 85-95% of patients, and the incidence of postoperative reflux is about 20%. […] For patients in whom surgery fails, they may be treated with an endoscopic dilation first. If this fails, a second operation (extending the previous myotomy onto the anterior gastric wall) can be attempted once the cause of failure has been identified with imaging studies. The last resort is to surgically remove the esophagus (ie, esophagectomy). […] Compared with pneumatic dilation, laparoscopic Heller myotomy is associated with better results in terms of dysphagia improvement and postoperative gastroesophageal reflux rates, with a significantly lower risk of re-intervention.
  • #44 Achalasia
    https://healthlibrary.somc.org/Library/DiseasesConditions/Adult/Women/134,167
    Call your healthcare provider if you have any questions about your medicines or treatment. […] Achalasia is a swallowing disorder that affects the esophagus. The muscles of the esophagus dont work well at pushing food or liquid into your stomach. […] Treatment can help prevent long-term complications, such as aspiration pneumonia, esophageal perforation, and esophageal cancer.
  • #45 Patient education: Achalasia (Beyond the Basics) – UpToDate
    https://www.uptodate.com/contents/achalasia-beyond-the-basics
    Balloon dilation is typically performed during endoscopy, during which the physician positions a deflated balloon in the LES. An X-ray machine is often used to guide placement of the balloon. […] Surgery relieves symptoms in 70 to 90 percent of people. Symptom relief is sustained in about 85 percent of people 10 years after surgery and in about 65 percent of people 20 years after the surgery. […] Botulinum toxin injections temporarily paralyze the nerves that signal the LES to contract, thereby helping to relieve the obstruction. […] Since none of the treatments for achalasia cure the underlying disease, regular follow-up is needed. The goal is to recognize and treat recurrent symptoms or complications of treatment (eg, acid reflux) early. Recognizing and treating these problems can help to prevent the development of severe enlargement of the esophagus (mega-esophagus) and cancer, which could require surgical removal of the entire esophagus.
  • #46 Patient education: Achalasia (Beyond the Basics) – UpToDate
    https://www.uptodate.com/contents/achalasia-beyond-the-basics
    Balloon dilation is typically performed during endoscopy, during which the physician positions a deflated balloon in the LES. An X-ray machine is often used to guide placement of the balloon. […] Surgery relieves symptoms in 70 to 90 percent of people. Symptom relief is sustained in about 85 percent of people 10 years after surgery and in about 65 percent of people 20 years after the surgery. […] Botulinum toxin injections temporarily paralyze the nerves that signal the LES to contract, thereby helping to relieve the obstruction. […] Since none of the treatments for achalasia cure the underlying disease, regular follow-up is needed. The goal is to recognize and treat recurrent symptoms or complications of treatment (eg, acid reflux) early. Recognizing and treating these problems can help to prevent the development of severe enlargement of the esophagus (mega-esophagus) and cancer, which could require surgical removal of the entire esophagus.
  • #47 Nursing care plan for achalasia
    https://nursipedia.com/nursing-care-plan-achalasia/
    Educate the patient on methods of maintaining good oral hygiene and avoiding foods that may aggravate esophageal spasms. […] Assess nutrition status to ensure all dietary needs are met and encourage use of soft, bland, debarked and easy to digest foods. […] Administer medications as prescribed by the physician such as prokinetics, antidepressants, and antispasmodics. […] Surgical intervention may be required in cases where medications have not been effective. […] It is important to assess the patient’s general condition, airway function, swallow function, nutrition status and response to treatment on a regular basis. Additionally, it is important to document any adverse reactions to medications or treatments. […] Nursing care plans for achalasia should include assessment, nursing diagnosis, outcomes, interventions and rationales, evaluation and follow-up. The most important goal is to improve the patients quality of life and maintain their safety. […] The goal of nursing care for achalasia is to improve the patients quality of life and maintain their safety.
  • #48 Achalasia NCP | PDF | Malnutrition | Clinical Medicine
    https://www.scribd.com/document/698801281/ACHALASIA-NCP-1
    The nursing care plan is for a client with achalasia, characterized by impaired swallowing. Short term goals include the client being able to safely pass food and fluids after interventions like medications. […] Medium term goals within 3 days include consuming prescribed diet/fluids without issues. Long term goals within 5 days include maintaining swallowing function without discomfort. […] Interventions include administering medications, monitoring swallowing ability and nutritional status, and assessing for signs of aspiration or malnutrition. The expected outcomes are improved but still difficult swallowing function with ongoing risks to safety.
  • #49 Nursing care plan for achalasia
    https://nursipedia.com/nursing-care-plan-achalasia/
    Educate the patient on methods of maintaining good oral hygiene and avoiding foods that may aggravate esophageal spasms. […] Assess nutrition status to ensure all dietary needs are met and encourage use of soft, bland, debarked and easy to digest foods. […] Administer medications as prescribed by the physician such as prokinetics, antidepressants, and antispasmodics. […] Surgical intervention may be required in cases where medications have not been effective. […] It is important to assess the patient’s general condition, airway function, swallow function, nutrition status and response to treatment on a regular basis. Additionally, it is important to document any adverse reactions to medications or treatments. […] Nursing care plans for achalasia should include assessment, nursing diagnosis, outcomes, interventions and rationales, evaluation and follow-up. The most important goal is to improve the patients quality of life and maintain their safety. […] The goal of nursing care for achalasia is to improve the patients quality of life and maintain their safety.