Dysphagia

Dysphagia is the medical term for the symptom of difficulty in swallowing. It may be a sensation that suggests difficulty in the passage of solids or liquids from the mouth to the stomach.

Symptoms: Some signs and symptoms of oropharyngeal dysphagia include difficulty controlling food in the mouth, inability to control food or saliva in the mouth, difficulty initiating a swallow, coughing, choking, frequent pneumonia, unexplained weight loss, gurgly or wet voice after swallowing, nasal regurgitation, and dysphagia.

Esophagoscopy and laryngoscopy can give direct view of lumens. Chest radiograph may show air-fluid level in mediastinum. Pott's disease and calcified aneurysms of aorta can be easily diagnosed. Esophageal motility study is useful in cases of achalasia and diffuse esophageal spasms.

Treament: Treatments are generally focused on swallowing therapy, including exercises, and dietary changes. For problems in the esophagus, treatment options may include surgery or medicine. Feeding tubes are also options for treating dysphagia, including nasogastric or endoscopic tubes.

Statistics: Due to malnutrition and aspiration pneumonia dysphagia is associated with increased morbidity and mortality in acute stroke patients.