chalasia

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.

cha·la·si·a

, chalasis (kă-lā'zē-ă, -lā'sis),

Inhibition and relaxation of any previously sustained contraction of muscle, usually of a synergic group of muscles.

[G. chalaō, to loosen]

chalasia

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

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.

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.

cha·la·sia

, chalasis (kă-lā'zē-ă, -lā'sis)

Inhibition and relaxation of any previously sustained contraction of muscle, usually of a synergic group of muscles.

[G. chalaō, to loosen]

chalasia

Abnormal relaxation or loss of retaining power, especially of the muscle ring at the lower end of the OESOPHAGUS.

chalasia

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