Röhrenpost 30

Diagnostic Methods

• thorough evaluation of the disease (diagnosis)

• barium swallow (gastro-intestinal-passage)

• gastroscopy/endoscopy

• manometry (pressure monitoring within the gullet)

• ph (acid) monitoring within the gullet

• isotope analysis (scintigraphy) of the gullet

• computer tomography CT

Therapy

The treatment of achalasia cannot solve the actual cause. Following therapies can be applied to treat the symptoms:

• botulinum toxin injections into the muscle of the lower oesophagus sphincter by using an endoscope

• endoscopic dilatation of the lower oesophagus sphincter

• surgery of the lower oesophagus sphincter (key-hole or open surgery)

• medication of accessory symptoms like the inflammation of the gullet, heartburn, cardiac arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat), indigestion

• there is not yet much experience with alternative medicine.