CONDITIONS
Dysphagia
What is dysphagia?
Dysphagia refers to difficulty swallowing. Occasional swallowing difficulties may occur, but persistent dysphagia warrants prompt diagnostic assessment and appropriate treatment.
What are the common signs of dysphagia?
- Painful swallowing
- Unable to swallow
- The sensation as if food is trapped in the throat
- Voice hoarseness
- Regurgitation of food
- Persistent heartburn
- Gagging while swallowing
The signs listed above are general indicators. Medical evaluation is recommended for individuals experiencing chronic dysphagia, regurgitation, vomiting, or unexplained weight loss.
What causes dysphagia?
Swallowing is a complex process involving multiple muscles and nerves. Disorders that damage or weaken these structures, or cause restriction at the back of the throat, may result in dysphagia.
Oesophageal dysphagia may arise due to the following disorders:
- Achalasia is a disorder that causes difficulty swallowing. It may occur from damage to the nerves or muscles, making it harder for the esophagus to facilitate the flow of liquid and food into the stomach.
- Esophageal spasm causes improperly coordinated contractions of the oesophagus.
- An esophageal stricture, or narrowing, can cause larger portions of food to become trapped. Scar tissue and tumors resulting from gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) may also contribute to esophageal restriction.
- Esophageal tumours, which are abnormal growths, may cause trouble swallowing.
How do you check for dysphagia?
Several diagnostic methods are available for evaluating dysphagia. One common approach is endoscopy, which involves inserting a flexible, lighted scope into the throat to examine the esophagus. During this procedure, tissue samples may be collected to assess for inflammation, narrowing, or tumors.
How do you resolve dysphagia?
Treatment strategies are individualised based on the underlying cause of dysphagia. If you are concerned about your symptoms and suspect you are suffering from dysphagia, it would be best to schedule an appointment with us so we can assess your symptoms and formulate a treatment most suitable for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
All disease
begins in the gut.
