Case Discussion
Diagnosing achalasia in young adults poses challenges due to its diverse
presentation and resemblance to other esophageal disorders like GERD.
Diagnosis relies on clinical symptoms and imaging studies such as barium
esophagogram revealing a bird’s beak appearance and esophageal manometry
showing absent peristalsis. Upper GI endoscopy is needed to rule out
malignancy. Treatment options include non-surgical approaches like
medication and Botox injections, as well as surgical methods such as
pneumatic balloon dilation, laparoscopic Heller myotomy, and per-oral
endoscopic myotomy (POEM). The treatment options depend upon
the patient’s condition at presentation and their individual choices.