Definition

Dysphagia is a problem that happens when you swallow. It’s hard to get food down the tube that goes from the mouth to the stomach.

Esophagus and Stomach

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Causes

Esophageal dysphagia is caused by damage or disease of the throat. :

• Achalasia—food or drink doesn’t move toward the stomach as it should
• Damage to nervous system that affects how muscles in the throat work
• Narrowing of the throat— esophageal stricture
• Esophageal cancer
• Inflammation—esophagitis

Risk Factors

Factors that increase the risk of esophageal dysphagia include:

• Any of the problems listed above
• Injury or illness of nervous system such as:
  • Stroke
  • Parkinson disease
  • Multiple sclerosis
  • Huntington disease
• Older age
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
• Cancer treatment—current or previous
• Prior surgery
• Premature birth
• Certain medicine

Symptoms

Common symptoms include:

• Having a hard time when you swallow
• A feeling of food being stuck
• Pain when you swallow
• Regurgitation
• Drooling, coughing, choking
• Wheezing
• Hoarse voice
• Problems getting enough fluids or nutrition

Diagnosis

You will be asked about your symptoms and past health. A physical exam will be done. The doctor will run tests to find out what is causing swallowing problems. Tests may include:

• A test to look for problems while you swallow
• An upper GI endoscopy—a scope is used to view throat from back of mouth to the stomach
• A barium swallow—x-ray that uses a special dye to highlight throat
• Tests on the muscles of the esophagus

Treatment

Treatment depends on the cause. You may need:

• Esophageal dilation —making the esophagus wider where it narrows
• Surgery—to treat GERD or take out something that is blocking the path
• Dietary changes such as:
  • Not eating foods that cause problems
  • Eating softer or pureed foods
  • Using a feeding tube if needed
• Speech therapy—this will teach you to swallow without choking
• Medicines—to treat specific causes, relax muscles, or reduce acid

Prevention

There are not steps to prevent esophageal dysphagia.