Dysphagia is difficulty swallowing — Dysphagia indicates a delay in the passage of solids or liquids from the mouth to the stomach.
Dysphagia should be distinguished from odynophagia which is discomfort or pain on swallowing hot or cold liquids, and occasionally alcohol. In some cases, swallowing is impossible.
Occasional difficulty swallowing, such as when you eat too fast or don't chew your food well enough, usually isn't cause for concern. But persistent dysphagia can be a serious medical condition requiring treatment.
Causes of dysphagia
1. Oropharyngeal-
Infection-
Candida,
Herpes.
Neurogenic-Neuromuscular, Motor neuron disease, Myasthenia gravis, Polyneuropathy Dermatomyositis.
Neurological damage - Sudden neurological damage, such as from a stroke or brain or spinal cord injury, can affect the ability to swallow.
Mechanical or compressive Intervertebral disc degeneration-
cancer,
Thyroid enlargement,
Aortic aneurysm,
Mediastinal mass,
Mucosal webs,
Pharyngeal pouch.
2. Oesophageal-
Mechanical block- Oesophageal stricture, Carcinoma esophagus or cardia,
Mediastinal neoplasm,
Aberrant great vessels (dysphagia lusoria).
Muscular incoordination-
Diffuse oesophageal spasm, Achalasia,
Chaga's disease
Oesophagitis - peptic, monilial.
Symptoms of Dysphagia-
Signs and symptoms associated with dysphagia can include-
Inability to swallow,
Pain while swallowing
A sensation of food getting stuck in the throat or chest or behind the breastbone (sternum)
Drooling
Hoarseness
Food coming back up (regurgitation)
Frequent heartburn
Food or stomach acid backing up into the throat
Weight loss
Coughing or gagging when swallowing
Prevention-
Although swallowing difficulties can't be prevented, you can reduce your risk of occasional difficulty swallowing by eating slowly and chewing your food well. However, if you have signs or symptoms of dysphagia, see your physician.
