Esophageal motility disorders

Esophageal motility disorders involve problems with the muscles and nerve signals that control swallowing and moving food down the esophagus to the stomach. Normally, coordinated muscle contractions (peristalsis) facilitate this process. In these disorders, these movements are weakened, too slow, uncoordinated, or abnormal, leading to difficulty swallowing, chest pain, or regurgitation. Conditions like achalasia, where the lower esophageal sphincter doesn't open properly, fall into this category. Diagnosing involves specialized tests that measure muscle function and coordination, helping guide appropriate treatment strategies to improve swallowing and quality of life.