Definition
Dysphagia is a problem that happens when you swallow. It’s hard to get food down the tube that goes from the mouth to the stomach.

Causes
Esophageal dysphagia is caused by damage or disease of the throat. :
- Achalasia—food or drink doesn’t move toward the stomach as it should
- Damage to nervous system that affects how muscles in the throat work
- Narrowing of the throat— esophageal stricture
- Esophageal cancer
- Inflammation—esophagitis
Risk Factors
Factors that increase the risk of esophageal dysphagia include:
- Any of the problems listed above
- Injury or illness of nervous system such as:
- Older age
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
- Cancer treatment—current or previous
- Prior surgery
- Premature birth
- Certain medicine
Symptoms
Common symptoms include:
- Having a hard time when you swallow
- A feeling of food being stuck
- Pain when you swallow
- Regurgitation
- Drooling, coughing, choking
- Wheezing
- Hoarse voice
- Problems getting enough fluids or nutrition
Diagnosis
You will be asked about your symptoms and past health. A physical exam will be done. The doctor will run tests to find out what is causing swallowing problems. Tests may include:
- A test to look for problems while you swallow
- An upper GI endoscopy—a scope is used to view throat from back of mouth to the stomach
- A barium swallow—x-ray that uses a special dye to highlight throat
- Tests on the muscles of the esophagus
Treatment
Treatment depends on the cause. You may need:
- Esophageal dilation —making the esophagus wider where it narrows
- Surgery—to treat GERD or take out something that is blocking the path
-
Dietary changes such as:
- Not eating foods that cause problems
- Eating softer or pureed foods
- Using a feeding tube if needed
- Speech therapy—this will teach you to swallow without choking
- Medicines—to treat specific causes, relax muscles, or reduce acid
Revision Information
- Reviewer: Daniel A. Ostrovsky, MD
- Review Date: 02/2019 -
- Update Date: 02/12/2019 -