K22.0: Achalasia of cardia

The oesophagus or gullet connects the mouth with the stomach. It is a muscular tube. The muscles in the oesophagus move food into the stomach. The oesophagus is usually closed by a sphincter muscle at the junction to the stomach. This is meant to prevent the stomach contents and gastric acid being regurgitated into the oesophagus. Only during swallowing does the oesophagus briefly open its sphincter muscle to the stomach.

The sphincter muscle between the gullet and stomach is controlled by nerves. These nerves are no longer working for you. The sphincter muscle is thus no longer able to relax well. The chyme now accumulates in front of the cardia. As a result, the lower gullet in particular expands. The pressure in the lower gullet also increases.

It is possible that swallowing food may be difficult for you and that you will often have to drink a lot after eating. Sometimes the food is also regurgitated up into the gullet. That can occur especially when you are lying down. You may often have bad breath. Some people also feel full very quickly and feel pressure at the junction of the ribcage and abdomen.

Patient Disclaimer

The information provided on this page is for general educational purposes only. It is not intended for self-diagnosis and does not replace professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor or a qualified healthcare provider with any questions or concerns about your health.

If you see an ICD diagnosis code (e.g., on a medical report), be aware that doctors may also include additional indicators to express diagnostic certainty. Only a healthcare professional can interpret these codes accurately in the context of your individual case.

For a complete understanding of your condition and what the diagnosis means for you, please speak directly with your doctor.