Health A-Z

Medical Content Created by the Faculty of the
Harvard Medical School

Achalasia

Symptoms

Most people with achalasia develop symptoms between the ages of 25 and 60, but the condition can occur in children. It does not run in families. The symptoms come on gradually and may take years to progress. Symptoms can include:

• Difficulty swallowing solid food (swallowing liquids is not affected in the early stages)

• Regurgitation or vomiting of undigested food

• Chest pain, discomfort, or fullness under the breastbone, especially following meals

• Coughing, especially at night or when lying down

• Difficulty swallowing solids and liquids (late in the illness)

• Weight loss (late in the illness)