6. Heartburn Sensation: The Internal Blaze
There’s something deeply unsettling about feeling a burning sensation where there shouldn’t be any flames. Yet, for individuals experiencing esophageal achalasia, this sensation is far from fictional. It creeps in, often disguising itself as your garden-variety heartburn, making it one of the trickier symptoms to pin down.
Now let’s talk numbers. Statistics reveal that about half of those suffering from achalasia complain of heartburn-like symptoms. But here’s the kicker: it’s not heartburn. Unlike traditional heartburn, which usually occurs due to acid reflux, the burning sensation in achalasia is a result of a stasis of food and drink in your esophagus. Your body, essentially, is trying to alert you that something is awry.
What makes this symptom especially diabolical is its timing. While you may be accustomed to feeling heartburn after a particularly spicy meal or cup of coffee, achalasia-related heartburn doesn’t follow such predictable rules. You might experience it during periods of fasting or even in the middle of the night.
How does this feel? Imagine trying to focus on a task, have a conversation, or even sleep, while it feels like there’s a miniature bonfire in your chest. This isn’t an occasional inconvenience; it’s an ongoing internal event that’s as disruptive as it is uncomfortable.
And the ripple effect? People who experience this symptom often find themselves hesitating to eat anything that they think might aggravate the condition. Social eating becomes fraught with tension, and meal planning turns into a strategic operation. The end result is a lifestyle overhaul, prompted by a sensation that won’t extinguish itself. (6)
