Which condition is a result of food accumulation in the lower esophagus?

Achalasia is a condition characterized by the inability of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) to relax properly, which leads to food accumulation in the lower esophagus. In individuals with achalasia, the coordinated relaxation of the LES is impaired, preventing food and liquid from passing into the stomach effectively. As a result, food can build up in the esophagus after swallowing, leading to symptoms such as difficulty swallowing (dysphagia), regurgitation, and chest pain. This accumulation of food is a direct consequence of the LES dysfunction associated with this condition.

The other conditions mentioned are related to esophageal issues, but they do not specifically involve the accumulation of food in the lower esophagus due to a failure of the lower esophageal sphincter to relax. For example, esophageal stricture refers to the narrowing of the esophagus, which can hinder the passage of food but does not primarily result from the sphincter's malfunction. Gastric reflux involves the backward flow of stomach contents into the esophagus, whereas esophagitis is inflammation of the esophagus that can result from various irritants or reflux but is not specifically tied to the accumulation of food in the lower esophagus. Thus, achalasia is the