Swallowing Difficulty (Dysphagia) and Related Esophageal Diseases

What is dysphagia?

Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia) refers to the feeling of having a mixture of food and saliva (food bolus obstruction) or foreign objects being stuck in the esophagus. It may also describe the extra effort needed to move food or liquid from the mouth to the stomach. This may be a symptom of a serious condition that would require medical attention. Dysphagia can be associated with pain, hoarseness, weight loss, regurgitation, or vomiting.

Who is affected by swallowing and esophageal disorders?

Dysphagia can affect both men and women and can occur at any age, but it’s more common in older adults. There is also an increased chance of having these issues for those with neurological conditions, for chronic smokers, or those who suffer from unmanaged gastroesophageal reflux disease.

What are the symptoms of dysphagia?

Common symptoms include the sensation of a blockage in the esophagus, with a feeling that food is stuck in the throat or chest. Other symptoms can include coughing, gagging, or choking while eating or drinking and experiencing pain while trying to swallow.

What causes dysphagia?

Generally, a benign or malignant blockage or impaired mobility of throat or esophageal muscles can result in dysphagia. It can also be caused by other disorders, including:

  • GERD
  • Esophageal stricture
  • Eosinophilic esophagitis
  • Zenker diverticula
  • Achalasia
  • Esophageal spasm
  • Esophageal stricture
  • Esophageal tumors
  • Foreign bodies
  • Esophageal ring
  • Scleroderma
  • Stricture caused by radiation therapy
  • Neuromuscular disorders

Treatment for dysphagia

Dysphagia treatment typically aims to improve safe swallowing, reduce painful or uncomfortable swallowing, and addressing any underlying conditions and causes. The following diagnostic and therapeutic services are commonly used by our specialists:

  • Upper endoscopy with dilation
  • Endoscopic ultrasound
  • Manometry
  • pH-impedance
  • Endoflip
  • Zenker myotomy
  • POEM