Dysphagia is usually diagnosed by a gastroenterologist or otolaryngologist. The diagnosis includes a patient’s symptoms, a physical exam, and sometimes imaging tests (e.g., endoscopy, radiography). Treatment options vary depending on the underlying cause of dysphagia. These treatments may include dietary changes, tongue and swallowing exercises, medication, surgery, or rehabilitation programs.
What is dysphagia (difficulty in swallowing)?
Dysphagia, or difficulty swallowing, refers to the difficulty or obstruction experienced by an individual when eating or drinking. This condition occurs during the swallowing process, which is a complex function of the digestive system, and can occur due to various health problems. Dysphagia can usually develop due to factors such as muscle weakness, nervous system diseases, esophageal obstructions, or side effects of certain medications. Treatment may vary depending on the cause of dysphagia and may include methods such as dietary changes, exercises, medication, or surgical intervention. We can answer the question of what dysphagia means as follows:
Symptoms of dysphagia may vary from person to person, but in general, symptoms of dysphagia include:
- Pain or difficulty swallowing
- Feeling of choking while swallowing
- Cough or hiccups after eating
- Eat and drink slowly
- Food left in the mouth
What causes dysphagia?
Dysphagia can have many causes, including muscle weakness or coordination disorders (e.g., stroke, myopathy), nervous system diseases (e.g., multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease), esophageal strictures or obstructions, impaired swallowing reflexes, or anatomical changes caused by some types of cancer. Additionally, side effects of medications or natural processes such as aging may contribute to dysphagia.
Psychological dysphagia is difficulty swallowing that is not due to a physical cause. It is caused by psychological factors such as anxiety, stress or depression. Psychological dysphagia can affect people of all ages, but is most common in adults. Psychological dysphagia can occur as a result of anxiety, stress, depression and traumatic experiences.
Which department deals with dysphagia?
Dysphagia (difficulty swallowing) is a complex condition that requires the attention of various specialties. Which department will treat you depends on the underlying cause and severity of your dysphagia. We can give the following answers to the question of which doctor treats dysphagia:
- Gastroenterology
- Ear Nose Throat
- neurology
- Geiatric Medicine
How is dysphagia tested?
Dysphagia is difficulty swallowing and can be caused by a variety of things. To diagnose dysphagia and determine the underlying cause, your doctor may order a series of tests. Dysphagia testing is done as follows:
- A medical history and physical examination are performed.
- The nervous system is checked by performing a neurological examination.
- The swallowing mechanism is examined by observing swallowing.
- Imaging tests such as barium swallow, endoscopy, CT and MRI may be performed.
- Tests such as swallowing pressure testing and EMG testing may be performed to evaluate the functioning of the swallowing mechanism.
Dysphagia treatment options may include:
- A speech-language pathologist can teach you swallowing exercises to help you improve your swallowing mechanism.
- Your doctor may prescribe medications to help relax your muscles or stimulate your swallowing muscles.
- In some cases, surgery may be necessary to remove an obstruction in your swallowing mechanism.