What characterizes the condition known as achalasia?

Achalasia is characterized by the failure of the lower esophageal sphincter to relax properly during swallowing. This condition results in a disruption of the normal movement of food from the esophagus into the stomach, leading to symptoms such as difficulty swallowing, regurgitation of undigested food, and chest pain. The lack of relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter creates a functional obstruction, preventing the easy passage of food, which can exacerbate the problem over time. This failure to relax is due to degeneration of the vagus nerve and the loss of ganglion cells in the esophagus, which affects motility and sphincter function. Understanding this mechanism is crucial for comprehending how achalasia impacts the digestive process and what treatment options might be necessary to alleviate the symptoms and improve esophageal function.