Dysphagia

What is Dysphagia

Dysphagia is trouble swallowing. This condition occurs when solids and liquids stick in a person’s throat on the way down to the stomach, or when food takes longer to get to the stomach.

You may have problems swallowing food, liquids, or both. You may also have pain while trying to swallow. It may take you more time and effort to swallow something.

What are the causes?

This condition is caused by:

  • Problems with the muscles. They may make it difficult for you to move food and liquids through the tube that connects your mouth to your stomach (esophagus). You may have ulcers, scar tissue, or inflammation that blocks the normal passage of food and liquids. Causes of these problems include:
    • Acid reflux from your stomach into your esophagus (gastroesophageal reflux).
    • Infections.
    • Radiation treatment for cancer.
    • Medicines taken without enough fluids to wash them down into your stomach.
  • Nerve problems. These prevent signals from being sent to the muscles of your esophagus to squeeze (contract) and move what you swallow down to your stomach.
  • Globus pharyngeus. This is a common problem that involves feeling like something is stuck in the throat or a sense of trouble with swallowing even though nothing is wrong with the swallowing passages.
  • Stroke. This can affect the nerves and make it difficult to swallow.
  • Certain conditions, such as cerebral palsy or Parkinson disease.

What are the signs or symptoms?

Common symptoms of this condition include:

  • A feeling that solids or liquids are stuck in your throat on the way down to the stomach.
  • Food taking too long to get to the stomach.

Other symptoms include:

  • Food moving back from your stomach to your mouth (regurgitation).
  • Noises coming from your throat.
  • Chest discomfort with swallowing.
  • A feeling of fullness when swallowing.
  • Drooling, especially when the throat is blocked.
  • Pain while swallowing.
  • Heartburn.
  • Coughing or gagging while trying to swallow.

How is this diagnosed?

This condition is diagnosed by:

  • Barium X-ray. In this test, you swallow a white substance (contrast medium)that sticks to the inside of your esophagus. X-ray images are then taken.
  • Endoscopy. In this test, a flexible telescope is inserted down your throat to look at your esophagus and your stomach.
  • CT scans and MRI.

How is this treated?

Treatment for dysphagia depends on the cause of the condition:

  • If the dysphagia is caused by acid reflux or infection, medicines may be used. They may include antibiotics and heartburn medicines.
  • If the dysphagia is caused by problems with your muscles, swallowing therapy may be used to help you strengthen your swallowing muscles. You may have to do specific exercises to strengthen the muscles or stretch them.
  • If the dysphagia is caused by a blockage or mass, procedures to remove the blockage may be done. You may need surgery and a feeding tube.

You may need to make diet changes. Ask your health care provider for specific instructions.

Follow these instructions at home:

Eating and drinking

  • Try to eat soft food that is easier to swallow.
  • Follow any diet changes as told by your health care provider.
  • Cut your food into small pieces and eat slowly.
  • Eat and drink only when you are sitting upright.
  • Do notdrink alcohol or caffeine. If you need help quitting, ask your health care provider.

General instructions

  • Check your weight every day to make sure you are not losing weight.
  • Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your health care provider.
  • If you were prescribed an antibiotic medicine, take it as told by your health care provider.Do notstop taking the antibiotic even if you start to feel better.
  • Do notuse any products that contain nicotine or tobacco, such as cigarettes and e-cigarettes. If you need help quitting, ask your health care provider.
  • Keep all follow-up visits as told by your health care provider. This is important.

Contact a health care provider if:

  • You lose weight because you cannot swallow.
  • You cough when you drink liquids (aspiration).
  • You cough up partially digested food.

Get help right away if:

  • You cannot swallow your saliva.
  • You have shortness of breath or a fever, or both.
  • You have a hoarse voice and also have trouble swallowing.

Summary

  • Dysphagia is trouble swallowing. This condition occurs when solids and liquids stick in a person’s throat on the way down to the stomach, or when food takes longer to get to the stomach.
  • Dysphagia has many possible causes and symptoms.
  • Treatment for dysphagia depends on the cause of the condition.
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