What is Dysphagia?
Dysphagia is a term that means “difficulty swallowing,” which can occur when attempting to swallow foods, liquids, or even saliva. Occasional dysphagia can occur when eating too quickly or too much, but chronic dysphagia can point to more serious conditions.
What Causes Dysphagia?
Difficulty swallowing can occur for many reasons. Dysphagia could be caused by esophageal conditions, such as esophagitis or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), aging, or neurological disorders.
What are the Symptoms of Dysphagia?
Symptoms of dysphagia include:
- Difficulty or inability to swallow
- Pain while swallowing
- Coughing or gagging when swallowing
- Drooling
- Regurgitation or reflux
- Frequent heartburn
- Unexpected weight loss
- Hoarse throat
- A sensation that food is stuck
What is the Treatment for Dysphagia
Treating dysphagia depends on the cause. Your doctor may recommend esophageal dilation, medication, or surgery.
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Esophageal Dilation
Esophageal dilation is a procedure that allows your doctor to dilate, or stretch, a narrowed area of your esophagus (swallowing tube) to relieve dysphagia. The most common cause of narrowing of the esophagus, or stricture, is scarring of the esophagus from reflux of stomach acid occurring in patients with heartburn.
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