Dysphagia

Dysphagia is the term used to describe difficulty swallowing. It may be associated with pain. Dysphagia can make it difficult to get appropriate nutrition which can lead to serious medical problems. In some cases, swallowing may be impossible.
The process of swallowing is incredibly complex, requiring more than 50 pairs of muscles to work together with nerves to move food and liquid from the mouth to the stomach. Dysphagia describes difficulty anywhere in the swallowing process, but there are generally three types:
Oral dysphagia
Also called “high dysphagia,” oral dysphagia refers to a problem in the mouth, difficulty chewing food, or difficulty moving food from the mouth to the throat. An example of oral dysphagia is tongue weakness caused by a stroke.
Pharyngeal dysphagia
This form of dysphagia describes a problem in the throat. Pharyngeal dysphagia is often caused by a neurological problem, such as a stroke, Parkinson’s disease, or ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis).
Esophageal dysphagia
Also called “low dysphagia,” esophageal dysphagia is a problem in the esophagus. This is usually caused by irritation or a blockage and will often require a surgical procedure.
Symptoms People Often Express
- Pain while swallowing (“odynophagia”)
- Acid Reflux/GERD [link]
- Having the feeling of food being stuck in the throat or chest, or behind the breastbone/sternum
Applicable Procedures
Common Symptoms
- “There is lump in my throat that I cannot clear out.”
- “I always feel like there is food stuck in my throat.”
- “Sometimes it is difficult to swallow.”