Dysphagia is the term used to describe difficulty swallowing. It is a common condition that can affect people of all ages and can occur due to various reasons such as neurological disorders, injury to the head or neck, structural abnormalities in the throat or esophagus, and some diseases such as Parkinson's disease or stroke.
Dysphagia (Difficulty Swallowing) Q&A
What is dysphagia?
Dysphagia is described as difficulty swallowing. When you swallow, many muscles and nerves work together to move food or drink from your mouth to your stomach. When there’s an issue with how these parts work, swallowing may feel uncomfortable or slow. You may cough or choke when you try to swallow food or even your own saliva.
What causes dysphagia?
Any disorder or condition that impacts the muscles or nerves that help you swallow.
- Nervous system and brain disorder including: ALS, brain tumors, cerebral palsy, dementia, Multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease
- Muscle disorders: achalasia, cricopharyngeal spasms, esophageal spasms, muscle dystrophy, myasthenia gravis, myositis, scleroderma
- Structural issues: cancer, EoE, esophageal diverticulum, esophageal strictures or webs, GERD
How is dysphagia diagnosed?
To find the cause of your dysphagia, your Gastrointestinal & Liver Consultants doctor completes a physical exam, reviews your medical history, and asks about your symptoms.
Medical history and symptoms: Doctors assess symptoms and family history.
Endoscopy: This tests allow doctors to view the inside of the digestive tract and take tissue samples.
Esophagram (or barium swallow): diagnostic imaging test used to evaluate the structure and function of the esophagus.
Esophageal manometry: a diagnostic test that measures the function and movement (motility) of the esophagus and the lower esophageal sphincter (LES).
How is dysphagia treated?
Treatment of dysphagia depends on the cause. Patients with narrowing of the esophagus benefit from stretching (dilating) the esophagus.