What is Dysphagia?
Dysphagia is a medical condition characterized by difficulty swallowing. It can affect people at any stage of life and involves problems with the oral cavity, pharynx, or esophagus, impacting the ability to eat, drink, and swallow comfortably.
What Causes Dysphagia?
Causes of dysphagia range from neurological disorders like stroke, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), to structural problems such as esophageal stricture or cancer. Other causes include muscle disorders like scleroderma or myasthenia gravis, and conditions like eosinophilic esophagitis.
What are the Symptoms of Dysphagia?
Symptoms include:
- Difficulty swallowing.
- Pain while swallowing.
- Choking or coughing during meals.
- Recurrent heartburn.
- Sensation of food stuck in the throat or chest.
- Regurgitation.
- Unexplained weight loss.
- Frequent drooling.
These symptoms can lead to complications like pneumonia, malnutrition, and dehydration, if not addressed.
How is Dysphagia Diagnosed?
Diagnosis may involve a physical examination, barium swallow tests, endoscopy, and manometry to assess muscle activity and pressure changes in the esophagus. These tests help identify the location and cause of the swallowing difficulty.
How is Dysphagia Treated?
Treatment options include swallowing therapy, dietary modifications, and, in severe cases, surgery. Medications may be prescribed, and procedures like endoscopic dilation can be performed to stretch the esophagus. For those unable to swallow, gastrostomy may be used for nutrition.
