Diagnosis and Treatment
Diagnostic Methods
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thorough evaluation of the disease (diagnosis)
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barium swallow (gastro-intestinal-passage)
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gastroscopy/endoscopy
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manometry (pressure monitoring within the gullet)
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ph (acid) monitoring within the gullet
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isotope analysis (scintigraphy) of the gullet
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computer tomography CT
Therapy
The treatment of achalasia cannot solve the actual cause. Following therapies can be applied to treat the symptoms:
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botulinum toxin injections into the muscle of the lower oesophagus sphincter by using an endoscope
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endoscopic dilatation of the lower oesophagus sphincter
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surgery of the lower oesophagus sphincter (key-hole or open surgery)
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medication of accessory symptoms like the inflammation of the gullet, heartburn, cardiac arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat), indigestion
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there is not yet much experience with alternative medicine.