Trouble Swallowing?

Has Swallowing Become Difficult?

The medical term for trouble swallowing is dysphagia (link to dysphagia condition page). Esophageal dysphagia means the problem is in the esophagus — the tube that carries food from your mouth to your stomach.

"People often describe this feeling as food “sticking” in the chest or moving down slowly," explains Dr. Arsheya Patel.

Trouble swallowing is more common than many people realize. Studies suggest that about 1 in 6 adults in the United States experience it at some point. Even though dysphagia is common, many people do not seek care, often because they think it’s normal or will go away on its own. The good news is that effective treatments are available.

What Causes Dysphagia?

There are several possible causes of dysphagia. Some of the most common include:

• Chronic acid reflux (GERD): Long-term reflux can irritate the esophagus and lead to scarring or narrowing (called a stricture), making it harder for food to pass.
• Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE): This is an inflammatory condition often linked to allergies that can make swallowing difficult.
• Esophageal rings or webs: Thin bands of tissue can form and narrow the esophagus.
• Muscle disorders: Conditions like achalasia affect how the muscles of the esophagus move food toward the stomach.
• Esophageal cancer (less common): Difficulty swallowing that is getting worse over time should always be evaluated, as it can sometimes be a sign of a more serious condition.

How Is Dysphagia Diagnosed?

If you’re having trouble swallowing, your care team may recommend a few tests to find the cause:Upper endoscopy (EGD): A thin, flexible camera is used to look directly at the esophagus.

• Barium swallow (X-ray test): You drink a liquid that shows up on X-ray so your doctor can see how food moves down.
• Esophageal manometry: This test measures how well the muscles in your esophagus are working.
• Reflux testing: In some cases, your provider may check for acid reflux.

These tests are commonly performed and help guide the best treatment plan.

What Is the Treatment for Dysphagia?

Treatment depends on the cause, but it is often very effective. Options may include:

• Medications to reduce acid or treat inflammation
• Diet changes to make swallowing easier
• Procedures to gently stretch (dilate) a narrowed area of the esophagus
• Targeted treatments for specific conditions like EoE or achalasia

When Should You See a Doctor?

"If you have ongoing trouble swallowing, don’t ignore it," cautions Dr. Patel. You should seek medical care, especially if you notice:

• Food sticking frequently
• Trouble swallowing getting worse over time
• Unintended weight loss
• Pain when swallowing

Early evaluation can help identify the cause and lead to effective treatment.