Difficulty Swallowing

Difficulty Swallowing

Overview

Difficulty swallowing, medically known as dysphagia, is a condition where a person experiences discomfort or struggles to swallow food, liquids, or even saliva. It can be a temporary issue or a sign of an underlying medical condition that requires evaluation and treatment. Dysphagia may occur due to problems in the throat (oropharyngeal dysphagia) or the esophagus (esophageal dysphagia).

Common Symptoms of Dysphagia

People with difficulty swallowing may experience:

• Pain or discomfort while swallowing (odynophagia)
• Feeling of food being stuck in the throat or chest
• Choking or coughing while eating or drinking
• Regurgitation of food or liquids (food coming back up)
• Unintentional weight loss due to difficulty eating
• Drooling or excessive saliva production
• Hoarseness or voice changes after swallowing
• Frequent heartburn or acid reflux
• Recurrent pneumonia due to aspiration of food into the lungs

Causes of Difficulty Swallowing

Dysphagia can result from a variety of conditions, including:

• Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) – Stomach acid irritates the esophagus, causing inflammation and narrowing.
• Esophageal Strictures – Narrowing of the esophagus due to scarring or tumors.
• Achalasia – A disorder where the esophagus loses its ability to push food into the stomach.
• Neurological Disorders – Conditions like Parkinson’s disease, stroke, multiple sclerosis, or ALS can affect swallowing muscles.
• Oropharyngeal Muscle Weakness – Common in aging or neuromuscular diseases.
• Esophageal Cancer – Tumors in the esophagus can block food passage.
• Foreign Body Obstruction – Swallowed objects or large food pieces can cause blockage.

When to See a Doctor?

You should consult a gastroenterologist if you experience:

• Persistent difficulty swallowing for more than a few days
• Unexplained weight loss and frequent choking episodes
• Severe chest pain or discomfort while eating
• Blood in vomit or black, tarry stools (signs of bleeding)
• Recurring lung infections (suggesting aspiration)

Diagnosis of Dysphagia

A thorough evaluation by a gastroenterologist includes:

• Barium Swallow Test – X-ray imaging after drinking a contrast solution to visualize swallowing.
• Upper Endoscopy (EGD) – A flexible tube with a camera examines the esophagus and stomach.
• Esophageal Manometry – Measures muscle contractions in the esophagus.
• pH Monitoring – Detects acid reflux affecting swallowing.

Treatment Options

Treatment depends on the cause and severity of dysphagia:

• Dietary Modifications – Eating softer foods and small bites to ease swallowing.
• Medication – Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) for acid reflux, muscle relaxants for motility disorders.
• Dilation Therapy – Stretching narrowed areas of the esophagus using an endoscopic procedure.
• Botox Injections – Used in conditions like achalasia to relax the esophageal muscles.
• Surgical Intervention – Required in cases of severe strictures, achalasia, or tumors.

Conclusion

Difficulty swallowing should never be ignored, as it can indicate serious underlying conditions. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment can significantly improve swallowing function and prevent complications. If you or a loved one are experiencing persistent dysphagia, consult our Gastroenterology specialists for expert care.