Joe,
here is some information on achalasia from medline plus.
Http://www.Nlm.Nih.Gov/medlineplus/ency/ar
ticle/000267.Htm
achalasia is a disorder of the esophagus (the tube that carries food from the mouth to the stomach). The esophagus is less able to move food toward the stomach, and the valve from the esophagus to the stomach does not relax as much as it needs to during swallowing. This relaxation is needed to allow food to enter the stomach.
Another part of the disorder is lack of nervous stimulation to the esophagus. Causes include damage to the nerves to the esophagus, parasitic infection, cancers, and hereditary factors. Achalasia is a rare disorder, may occur at any age, but is most common in middle-aged or older adults.
Symptoms
* difficulty swallowing liquids and solids
* regurgitation of food
* chest pain which may increase after eating or may radiate to the back, neck, and arms
* unintentional weight loss
* heartburn
* cough
signs and tests
an upper gi x-ray test or barium esophagogram may show absence of peristalsis, a dilated proximal esophagus, and a narrowing at the bottom of the esophagus. The diagnosis is confirmed with esophageal manometry. Physical examination may show signs of anemia.
Treatment
therapy usually involves dilation of the lower sphincter or injection with botulinum toxin to paralyze it and prevent spasms. Medications such as long-acting nitrates or calcium channel blockers can also be used to lower the pressure at the lower esophagus sphincter.
Surgery to decrease the pressure in the lower sphincter (called an esophagomyotomy) may be indicated if other interventions fail.
Hope this helps to inform and just let me know if you want more personal information from my experience. As I said, I don't know if this is what is going on with your gf, but her symptoms sounded much like mine.
Barb