Q. A 58-year-old male patient presents to the clinic with a complaint of difficulty in swallowing, especially solids, for the last two weeks. The difficulty has progressively worsened. He also complains of a burning sensation in the chest, which is worse when he bends over or lies down. He has a history of long-term alcohol and tobacco use but denies any recent changes in his diet or significant weight loss.
On physical examination, the patient appears in mild distress due to discomfort. His oral cavity shows no abnormality. The neck veins are not distended, and the thyroid is not enlarged. His chest is clear on auscultation. There is no hepatomegaly or splenomegaly. His BMI is 28 kg/m2, blood pressure is 110/70, and pulse rate is 68 beats per minute.
Lab investigations revealed his complete blood count, liver function, and kidney function tests are within normal limits. However, the esophageal manometry test shows a lower esophageal sphincter pressure of 8 mmHg (normal range 10-45 mmHg).
What would be the most appropriate next step in management?