DEAR DR. GOTT: I was recently diagnosed with achalasia. This all started a year ago when I had trouble swallowing food. One doctor stretched my esophagus, after which I could hardly eat anything, and drinking hot or cold beverages was no good, either. I also had a Botox injection in the lower sphincter of my stomach to relax it. Do you have any suggestions for some relief? I have now lost about 50 pounds and can’t afford to lose much more. I’m a 74-year-old female. Please help.

DEAR READER: The esophagus carries food from the mouth to the stomach. Achalasia is a disorder of the lower muscular ring where the esophagus and stomach meet that makes the body less effective in moving food. This occurs in part because the stomach does not relax as it should during the normal course of swallowing, and it is why you received a Botox injection.
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