Types and causes Oropharyngeal dysphagia affects starting the swallow and may cause coughing, choking or food entering the nose. Oesophageal dysphagia causes food to feel stuck lower in the throat or chest. Causes include inflammation, reflux, narrowing, muscle disorders, stroke, neurological disease or a growth.
Assessment Evaluation may involve ENT examination, flexible endoscopy, a swallowing assessment, modified barium swallow, endoscopy or imaging. The choice depends on the symptom pattern.
Treatment Treatment targets the cause and may include swallowing therapy, diet texture changes, reflux treatment, dilation of narrowing or treatment of neurological or structural disease. Patients should not change to a highly restricted diet without professional guidance because nutrition and hydration can be affected.
Warning signs Urgent assessment is needed for inability to swallow saliva, breathing difficulty, repeated choking, dehydration, sudden neurological symptoms or food completely stuck. Progressive symptoms, weight loss, pain on swallowing or a neck lump also require prompt evaluation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is dysphagia?
Difficulty moving food or liquid safely from the mouth to the stomach.
Can reflux cause swallowing problems?
It may contribute through inflammation or narrowing.
Which test is needed?
The test depends on whether the problem is in the throat or oesophagus.
When is it an emergency?
When unable to swallow saliva, breathe normally or clear a food blockage.
This information is for education only and does not replace medical assessment or treatment by a qualified physician.