Achalasia is a condition that affects the esophagus, which is the tube that connects the mouth to the stomach and is responsible for the digestion of food. Because of achalasia, it is difficult for food and liquids to move past the esophagus. The esophageal muscles do not contract as they should in order to move the food that is stuck in the esophagus. In addition to this, the muscle at the bottom of the esophagus, known as the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), does not relax to allow food or liquid to pass into the stomach. Because of this, undigested food and liquid are forced to remain in the esophagus after swallowing. Achalasia of the esophagus and cardiospasm are also names that have been used to refer to this illness.
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