What is Dysphagia?

Dysphagia means difficulty or discomfort when swallowing food or liquids. It can affect people of all ages but is more common in older adults or those with medical conditions. You may feel food is “stuck” in the throat or chest, cough while eating, or even avoid meals due to fear of choking.

🚨 When Should You Be Concerned?

• Food or liquids feel stuck in throat or chest
• Coughing or choking while eating
• • Drooling or regurgitation of food
• • Weight loss without trying
• • Pain or discomfort while swallowing
• • Recurrent chest infections or aspiration

Dysphagia is not just a symptom – it may signal a serious condition. Early evaluation is key.

❓ What Causes Dysphagia?

🧬 Mechanical / Structural Causes:

• • Radiation-induced strictures (after cancer treatment)
• • Esophageal webs or rings – blockages in the upper esophagus
• • Esophageal cancer – tumor causing narrowing
• • Peptic strictures from chronic acid reflux

🧠 Motility Disorders (Muscle/Nerve Issues):

• • Achalasia cardia – food can't enter the stomach easily
• • Diffuse esophageal spasm – uncoordinated muscle contractions
• • Neurological disorders – Stroke, Parkinson’s, ALS

🧪 How Is It Diagnosed?

• Upper GI Endoscopy: Checks for ulcers, tumors, webs, strictures, and allows biopsies
• Barium Swallow X-ray: Tracks food movement through esophagus
• Esophageal Manometry: Measures muscle strength and coordination
• CT or MRI: Used if cancer or external pressure is suspected

️ How Is Dysphagia Treated?

🧃 For Structural Causes:

• Balloon Dilatation: Stretches narrowed areas via endoscopy
• SEMS (Stent Placement): Keeps esophagus open in cancer-related blockages
• Address underlying issue: Reflux control, cancer treatment, etc.

💪 For Motility Disorders:

• POEM (Peroral Endoscopic Myotomy): Minimally invasive procedure cutting muscle blockage in Achalasia
• Pneumatic Dilatation: Balloon used to stretch tight muscle at lower esophagus
• Heller’s Myotomy (Surgery): Traditional surgical option
• Medications: Occasionally used in mild motility issues

✅ Good to Know

Difficulty swallowing should never be ignored — especially if it’s getting worse or associated with weight loss. Modern treatments are safe, effective, and often minimally invasive.