chalasia

chalasia /cha·la·sia/ (kah-la´zhah) relaxation of a bodily opening, such as the cardiac sphincter (a cause of vomiting in infants).

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cha·la·sia (k-lzh) or cha·la·sis (-lss)

n.

The inhibition and relaxation of a previously sustained contraction of a muscle or synergistic group of muscles, such as the cardiac sphincter.

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chalasia

[kəlā′zhə]

Etymology: Gk, chalasis, relaxation

abnormal relaxation or incompetence of the cardiac sphincter of the stomach, resulting in reflux of the gastric contents into the esophagus with subsequent regurgitation. Conservative treatment in infancy includes feeding several small meals a day to prevent distension of the stomach and holding the baby upright while giving the feeding. The symptoms and treatment are similar to those of a hiatal hernia. See also gastroesophageal reflux.

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chalasia [kah-la´ze-ah]

1. relaxation of a bodily opening.

2. an incompetent or relaxed cardiac sphincter that permits reflux of the contents of the stomach into the esophagus. A cause of regurgitation in infants, it is considered a developmental event with no sequelae and gradual resolution.

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chalasia

relaxation of a bodily opening, such as the cardiac sphincter. See also megaesophagus.

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chalasia

Pediatrics Gastroesophageal reflux (GERD) in infants which, if severe, may be associated with ↑ vomiting, crying, discomfort, possibly ↑ risk of GERD as adults. See GERD.