Studies of incidence and prevalence of achalasia in the Nottingham area.

The incidence of achalasia in the Nottingham area between 1966 and 1983 has been examined using hospital diagnostic indices supplemented by personal endoscopy files. All patients were traced and the date of death recorded where relevant. A total of 53 cases was confirmed and the incidence was 0.51 cases/10(5)/year and the prevalence on 31 December 1983, was 8/10(5). The age-specific incidence of the disease increased in older groups. The duration of dysphagia before diagnosis was no less with greater availability of manometry and endoscopy.