In achalasia, what happens to the LES during swallowing?

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Prepare for the Praxis Dysphagia Test with flashcards and multiple-choice questions, designed to provide explanations and hints. Equip yourself with the knowledge needed for your examination!

Multiple Choice

In achalasia, what happens to the LES during swallowing?

Explanation:
Normal swallowing requires the lower esophageal sphincter to relax so the bolus can pass into the stomach. In achalasia, the neural signals that normally trigger LES relaxation are impaired, so the LES does not relax adequately during a swallow. This means the sphincter effectively remains closed as the bolus arrives, creating a functional obstruction at the distal esophagus and preventing passage into the stomach. That failure to open during swallowing is the hallmark. Esophageal manometry typically shows incomplete LES relaxation with reduced or absent peristalsis in the body of the esophagus, which fits this pattern.

Normal swallowing requires the lower esophageal sphincter to relax so the bolus can pass into the stomach. In achalasia, the neural signals that normally trigger LES relaxation are impaired, so the LES does not relax adequately during a swallow. This means the sphincter effectively remains closed as the bolus arrives, creating a functional obstruction at the distal esophagus and preventing passage into the stomach. That failure to open during swallowing is the hallmark. Esophageal manometry typically shows incomplete LES relaxation with reduced or absent peristalsis in the body of the esophagus, which fits this pattern.

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