Conditions we treat
Dysphagia (Difficulty in Swallowing)
Dysphagia is difficulty in swallowing, either liquid or solid. More effort and more time are needed to move food from the mouth to the stomach. Dysphagia may or may not be associated with pain. It happens when something disturbs the normal swallowing process, and finding that cause is the first step in treating it.
What causes dysphagia?
Dysphagia occurs when there is a disturbance in the swallowing process. The causes include:
- A problem in the oesophagus (food pipe), such as a stricture (narrowing of the oesophagus) or cancer.
- Weakness or dysfunction of the muscles of the mouth, throat or oesophagus.
- Nerve or brain disease, such as a stroke, leading to dysfunction (weakness or incoordination) of the muscles of the mouth, tongue or throat.
- An impacted foreign body, for example a large piece of meat or any other object that becomes lodged in the oesophagus.
- In children, dysphagia can be caused by prematurity, nervous system disease, or birth defects such as cleft lip or cleft palate.
Symptoms of dysphagia
- Difficulty while swallowing.
- A choking sensation while swallowing.
- Vomiting after drinking or eating.
- Cough while swallowing.
- Fatigue and unexplained weight loss.
- Frequent complaint of heartburn.
Additional symptoms in infants and children
Infants and children may show the following signs in addition to those above:
- Lack of attention during feeding or eating.
- Difficulty in breastfeeding.
- Food or liquid coming out from the mouth.
- Repeated swallowing efforts.
- Gagging or coughing during feeds.
- Difficulty in coordinating breathing with feeding.
- Increased episodes of respiratory infection.
How dysphagia is diagnosed
Diagnosing the cause of dysphagia requires a detailed history, a physical examination and a variety of tests. These tests include an upper GI endoscopy (EGD), with or without a biopsy, a barium swallow, or an oesophageal muscle function test (manometry).
Treatment of dysphagia
Treatment options for dysphagia depend on the particular cause.
- Oesophageal dilation: in this procedure the oesophagus (food pipe) is widened to make swallowing easier. It is done when dysphagia is caused by a benign stricture or by achalasia cardia.
- Medications: medicines are prescribed to reduce lower oesophageal sphincter pressure or to relieve spasm of the oesophageal muscle, which helps swallowing. This is useful in oesophageal motility disorders.
When to seek medical help
Consult your doctor if you are experiencing difficulty with swallowing.
Visit the nearest emergency department if impacted food or a foreign body has caused an inability to swallow, or difficulty in breathing.
Frequently asked
What is dysphagia?
Dysphagia is difficulty in swallowing, either liquid or solid. More effort and time are needed to move food from the mouth to the stomach. It may or may not be associated with pain.
Which tests are used to find the cause of dysphagia?
A detailed history and physical examination come first, followed by tests. These include an upper GI endoscopy (EGD), with or without a biopsy, a barium swallow, or an oesophageal muscle function test (manometry).
Can infants and children have dysphagia?
Yes. In children, dysphagia can be caused by prematurity, nervous system disease, or birth defects such as cleft lip or cleft palate. Signs in infants and children include difficulty in breastfeeding, food or liquid coming out from the mouth, repeated swallowing efforts, gagging or coughing during feeds, difficulty coordinating breathing with feeding, and more frequent respiratory infections.
When is difficulty swallowing an emergency?
Go to the nearest emergency department if impacted food or a foreign body has caused an inability to swallow, or difficulty in breathing. For difficulty swallowing without these, consult your doctor.
Where to go next
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