A rare condition making it difficult for food and liquid to pass into the stomach.

Achalasia results from damage to nerves in the tube that connects the mouth and stomach, called the esophagus. Damage to the tube prevents the esophagus from squeezing food into the stomach. The damage may be caused by an irregular immune system response.

Symptoms include a backwash of food in the throat, chest pain and cough. Weight loss is common.

Achalasia can usually be managed with minimally invasive, called endoscopic, therapy or surgery.