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Esophageal Dysphagia(Difficulty Swallowing [Esophagus])
by
Amy Scholten, MPH DefinitionEsophageal dysphagia is a problem that happens with swallowing. It feels like food is stuck in the food pipe (esophagus). The esophagus is the tube that connects the throat to the stomach. Treatment can improve swallowing.
CausesEsophageal dysphagia is caused by:
Risk FactorsThings that raise the risk of esophageal dysphagia are:
SymptomsSymptoms of esophageal dysphagia are:
DiagnosisThe doctor will ask about symptoms and past health. A physical exam will be done. The doctor will run tests to find the cause of swallowing problems. Tests may include:
TreatmentTreatment depends on the cause. Options may be
PreventionThere are no known guidelines to prevent esophageal dysphagia. RESOURCES:American Speech-Language-Hearing Association https://www.asha.org Dysphagia Research Society https://dysphagiaresearch.site-ym.com CANADIAN RESOURCES:Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada https://www.heartandstroke.ca Ontario Association of Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologist https://www.osla.on.ca References:Chilukuri P, Odufalu F, et al. Dysphagia. Mo Med. 2018;115(3):206-210. Dysphagia. Cedars-Sinai website. Available at:
https://www.cedars-sinai.org/health-library/diseases-and-conditions/d/dyphagia.html. Accessed July 30, 2021.
Dysphagia. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/approach-to/esophageal-dysphagia. Accessed July 30, 2021.
Dysphagia. Merck Manual Professional Version website. Available at:
https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/gastrointestinal-disorders/esophageal-and-swallowing-disorders/dysphagia. Accessed July 30, 2021. Swallowing disorders in adults. American-Speech-Language-Hearing Association website. Available at:
https://www.asha.org/public/speech/swallowing/Swallowing-Disorders-in-Adults. Accessed July 30, 2021. Last reviewed July 2021 by Daniel A. Ostrovsky, MD Last Updated: 7/30/2021 | |