A medical condition where the muscles of the esophagus fail to relax properly, making it difficult to swallow food and liquids.
From Greek a- (without) and chalasis (relaxation). Medical term combining Greek roots to describe inability to relax. Coined in 19th-century medical terminology.
Achalasia is caused by nerve damage in the esophagus—patients often describe the sensation as food getting stuck, and ironically, drinking water feels harder than eating solid food because liquids can't push through tight muscles.
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