Lower esophageal aperistalsis leads to what complication?

Lower esophageal aperistalsis is characterized by the absence of coordinated muscle contractions in the esophagus, particularly the lower segment. This lack of peristalsis disrupts normal swallowing and can lead to food and liquids not being propelled effectively down the esophagus to the stomach. As a result, individuals may experience difficulty swallowing, medically termed as dysphagia.

When proper peristalsis is not occurring, the smooth transit of food can be hindered, causing a sensation of food getting stuck or not passing through effectively. This can lead not only to discomfort but also to further complications, such as aspiration or malnutrition if individuals avoid eating due to the difficulty.

In contrast, while complications like acid reflux may occur, lower esophageal aperistalsis primarily manifests as difficulty in swallowing due to the disruption in normal esophageal function. Thus, the primary consequence of lower esophageal aperistalsis is indeed difficulty swallowing.