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COVID-19 (coronavirus) Achalasia Advice
Coronavirus (COVID-19) advice for people with Achalasia, and their families.
If you have either treated or untreated achalasia, you may be at increased risk of severe illness from coronavirus (COVID-19). This is because achalasia can cause insult to the lungs; patients who have had recurrent aspiration will be at risk of a more severe lung inflammation. The UK government has advised anyone with chronic (long-term) respiratory diseases, such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPD), emphysema or bronchitis, to be particularly stringent in following social distancing measures. You can find a full list of groups at increased risk, including guidance on shielding and social distancing measures here.
Stay at home if you have Coronavirus symptoms. A list of symptoms and advice can be found here:
Use the 111 online coronavirus service to find out what to do. Only call 111 if you cannot get help online. For more information and guidance on what to do if you have coronavirus, please see here.
Seek prompt medical attention if your illness or the illness in any household members is worsening. If it’s not an emergency, go online to use NHS 111. If you have no internet access, you should call NHS 111. If it is an emergency and you need to call an ambulance, by dialling 999, and inform them that you have coronavirus symptoms.
If you have hospital and GP appointments during this period:
Do not go to a GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital if you have coronavirus symptoms even if you have an appointment.
For those who don't have symptoms and want to attend their appointments, the NHS advises everyone to access medical assistance remotely, wherever possible. However, if you have a scheduled hospital or other medical appointment during this period, talk to your GP practice or clinician to ensure you continue to receive the care you need and consider whether appointments can be postponed.
Latest Update: Many non-urgent endoscopy examinations have been suspended because of the apparent risk of aerosol-borne infection from a patient’s airways. The situation is likely to differ according to which hospital is involved. Those who feel that they need urgent attention are advised to visit their GP to discuss the local situation and the possibility of referral for diagnosis by other methods eg barium swallow test.
On 22 June 2020 the Government updated their shielding advice:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-on-shielding-and-protecting-extremely-vulnerable-persons-from-covid-19