Pronounced: Dis-fay-gee-uh
Dysphagia is difficulty eating because of disruption in the swallowing process. If dysphagia is severe, you may not be able to take in enough fluids and calories to stay healthy. In severe cases, even saliva is difficult to swallow. Complications may include aspiration pneumonia (food or liquids are pulled into your lungs), malnutrition, dehydration, weight loss, and airway blockage.
Some causes of dysphagia include:
A risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease or condition.
Risk factors include:
Symptoms include:
The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical exam. The exam will focus on the nervous system. The doctor will also watch you chewing and swallowing.
Tests may include:
Treatment may include:
Treating the underlying condition may help improve your swallowing problems.
A speech-language pathologist can teach you:
In severe cases, you may need to use high-nutrition liquid drinks. If you have trouble swallowing thin liquids, you may need powders to thicken liquids so they are easier to swallow.
If the esophagus is too narrow, instruments may be used to slowly stretch the esophagus.
In severe cases, surgery may be needed to:
RESOURCES:
American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery
http://www.entnet.org
American Speech-Language-Hearing Association
http://www.asha.org
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
Canadian Society of Otolaryngology
http://www.entcanada.org/default.asp
Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada
http://ww2.heartandstroke.ca
References:
Dawodu ST. Swallowing disorders. Emedicine website. Available at: www.emedicine.com/pmr/topic152.htm. Accessed 2005.
Spieker MR. Evaluating dysphagia. Am Fam Physician . 2000;61(12). Available at: http://www.aafp.org/afp/20000615/3639.html.
National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders website. Available at: http://www.nidcd.nih.gov/ .
Paik NJ. Dysphagia. Emedicine website. Available at: www.emedicine.com/pmr/topic194.htm. Accessed 2005.
Sleisenger & Fordtran's Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease . 6th ed. W.B. Saunders Company; 1998.
Last reviewed November 2008 by Daus Mahnke, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
Copyright © 2007 EBSCO Publishing All rights reserved.