Definition

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.

Causes

Some causes of dysphagia include:

• Muscle disorders (dermatomyositis, myotonic dystrophy)
• Nervous system problems
• Obstructive lesions in the throat or esophagus, such as tumors
• Central nervous system infections
• Vitamin B12 deficiency
• Stroke]]>
• Head injury
• ]]>Cerebral palsy]]>
• ]]>Parkinson's disease]]>
• ]]>Huntington's disease]]>
• ]]>Myasthenia gravis]]>
• ]]>Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis]]>
• ]]>Multiple sclerosis]]>
• ]]>Scleroderma]]>
• Infection with ]]>herpes]]> simplex virus or yeast
• Narrowing of the esophagus after infection or irritation
• Injury to the swallowing muscles from chemotherapy and radiation for cancer

Narrowing of the Esophagus

© 2009 Nucleus Medical Art, Inc.

• Birth defects (such as ]]>cleft palate]]> )
• ]]>Head and neck cancers]]>
• Scarring after ]]>radiation treatment]]> for cancer
• ]]>Gastroesophageal reflux disorder]]>
• ]]>Diabetes]]>
• ]]>Alcoholism]]>
• ]]>Alzheimer's disease]]>
• ]]>Postpolio syndrome]]>
• Thyroid disorders
• Medications, including:
  • Antibiotics
  • Theophylline
  • Potassium tablets
  • Iron supplements
  • Blood pressure medications
  • Antipsychotics
  • Narcotic pain relievers
  • Steroids
  • Lipid-lowering medications
  • Colchicine
  • Vitamins
  • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs)

Risk Factors

A risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease or condition.

Risk factors include:

• Diabetes]]>
• History of ]]>polio]]>
• Previous treatment for head and neck cancer
• Progressive neurological disorder or muscle disorder
• ]]>Gastroesophageal reflux disease]]>
• ]]>Head trauma]]>

Symptoms

Symptoms include:

• Trouble swallowing
• Constant feeling of a lump in the throat
• Pain with swallowing
• Drooling
• Coughing or choking with eating or drinking
• Recurrent pneumonia
• Nasal sounding voice
• Sensation of food sticking in the chest
• Weight loss

Diagnosis

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:

• Nasopharyngoscopy—using a scope to view the throat
• Blood tests—to check for infection and thyroid function
• Esophagram with Barium Swallow]]> —x-ray test of the esophagus
• Endoscopy—a thin, lighted tube inserted down the throat to examine the esophagus
• Videoradiographic studies—x-rays during which swallowing is filmed on video
• ]]>Ultrasound]]> —a test that uses sound waves to examine structures inside the body
• Manometry—tests the amount of pressure generated in various parts of the esophagus
• pH studies—tests the degree of acidity in the esophagus
• ]]>CT scan]]> —a type of x-ray that uses computers to make pictures of the neck and chest
• ]]>Chest x-ray]]> —to check for pneumonia

Treatment

Treatment may include:

Prevention

Most causes of dysphagia cannot be prevented. If you have a medical condition, get treatment so that you don't suffer complications, such as dysphagia.