title: Esophageal achalasia.
abstract: Achalasia is a disorder of the esophagus characterized by loss of esophageal motility and elevated lower esophageal sphincter pressure. The etiology of this rare disease is unknown, and there is no cure. This article describes the disorder and the palliative treatments currently available. Nursing care of the individual with achalasia also is presented.
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Saunderlin
mesh_terms: D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D004931:Esophageal Achalasia / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000628:therapy; D004947:Esophagus / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D005769:Gastrointestinal Motility; D006801:Humans; D008365:Manometry; D010166:Palliative Care; D011859:Radiography