On the ACAC website we have featured the Government's advice to everyone. In many ways anybody with achalasia simply has to follow that advice, and we recommend that you do so. But achalasia can lead to aspiration into the lungs, and it is this factor that makes those with achalasia a vulnerable group, just as it would be for anyone who has potential lung symptoms or vulnerability for any other medical reason.
We hope that you all keep safe and well in this difficult time
Hi Alan,
Like many people with achalasia I’ve a problem with aspiration, especially liquids. It’s made worse by a bony complex just at C3/C4 level. I am surprised that achalasia wasn’t put on the official ‘vulnerable’ list due to the raised risk of chest infections and complications.
People with achalasia experience a wide range of symptoms, but if there is a problem with aspiration of reflux into your lungs, it makes sense to take even more care than normal during the COVID 19 outbreak because the coronavirus does affect the lungs so much, and your own lungs might therefore be less able to resist the infection.
Many non-urgent endoscopy examinations have been suspended because of the apparent risk of aerosol-borne infection from a patient’s airways. The situation is likely to differ according to which hospital is involved. Those who feel that they need urgent attention are advised to visit their GP to discuss the local situation and the possibility of referral for diagnosis by other methods eg barium swallow test’
