Difficulty in swallowing (dysphagia) is a common problem with many causes. It includes any issue that makes getting food from the mouth down the esophagus and into the stomach hard. Difficulty swallowing takes several forms:
Oropharyngeal dysphagia occurs when you have problems making a swallowing motion. The condition often develops when the mouth, throat, or upper esophageal sphincter muscles and nerves malfunction.
The most common reasons for this are neurological conditions, like traumatic brain injuries, strokes, and advanced dementia.
Esophageal dysphagia causes the sensation of food getting stuck in your esophagus. It could be due to obstructions, esophageal strictures (narrowing or tightening), esophageal cancer, or inflammation.
Nerve and muscle disorders can also cause esophageal dysphagia. For example, achalasia, where the esophagus’s smooth fibers don’t relax, prevents the lower esophageal sphincter from opening. Swallowing triggers this sphincter, which must open to allow food into the stomach.
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and hiatal hernias can also affect swallowing. Difficulty in swallowing is more common as people age.
Dr. Padda begins the difficulty in swallowing diagnostic process with a medical and family history review, physical exam, and discussion about your symptoms. Based on his findings, you may need to complete one or more diagnostic procedures, such as the following:
Swallowing studies evaluate how well you swallow and assess you for aspiration, where food or drink enters your lungs during swallowing. Aspirating food or liquids is a significant risk factor for pneumonia that’s common in older people.
The treatment Dr. Padda recommends for difficulty in swallowing depends on the problem’s cause.
Stretching (dilating) the esophagus helps if narrowing is to blame. Dr. Padda might use special balloons passed down an endoscope and inflated to stretch the esophagus. Or he can insert dilators (rubber or plastic cylinders in various sizes).
Acid-lowering agents can help if you have acid reflux or gastroesophageal reflux disease. Another option is to spray corticosteroid preparations into the back of your throat and swallow them.
Dr. Padda can implant wire or metal stents (slender, expandable tubes) during an upper endoscopy to keep the esophagus open if the narrowing is due to inoperable cancer.
Call the office to arrange a thorough dysphagia evaluation or schedule a consultation today using the online booking form.