Dysphagia

Ready to Consult a GI Physician?

Find a Provider

What is dysphagia?

Dysphagia is a term used to describe someone’s inability or struggle to swallow food or liquid. There are several reasons why someone might experience dysphagia. It might be due to muscle spasms because they didn’t chew their food well enough, or other internal issues. Dysphagia can also refer to the sensation of food being stuck in the neck or chest. Contact our professional gastroenterologists at GI Alliance today to learn more about how we can provide solutions that help you get back to an improved life.

What causes dysphagia?

There are two different types of dysphagia and the cause is unique for both types.

Oropharyngeal Dysphagia

Oropharyngeal dysphagia is difficulty starting a swallow. Neuromuscular causes are more common with this type of dysphagia. This is due to the fact that the muscles of the mouth, back of your throat, and upper esophagus have direct connections with the brain and these nerves can be damaged causing complications.

Sometimes strictures (narrowed areas in the esophagus), or tumors growing in the back of the throat can cause you to have a hard time swallowing.

Esophageal Dysphagia

Esophageal dysphagia has many various causes, some of the most common being:

  • Scarring in the esophagus from acid reflux (GERD)
  • Inflammation in the esophagus from acid reflux
  • Lack of esophageal muscle strength
  • Achalasia (when the lower esophageal sphincter can’t relax during swallowing due to abnormal nerve control
  • Spasms in the esophagus
  • Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE)
  • Blockage by a foreign body in the esophagus

What are the symptoms of dysphagia?

The most common symptoms and signs of dysphagia include:

  • Drooling
  • Inability to swallow
  • The sensation of food being stuck in your throat or chest
  • Pain while swallowing
  • Regurgitation
  • Hoarseness
  • Unwanted weight loss
  • Coughing or gagging while swallowing
  • Acid reflux
  • Food or liquid regurgitates through your nose
  • Aspiration pneumonia
  • Food impaction (food getting stuck)
  • Chest pain

If you experience any of the above symptoms of dysphagia, please contact a GI Alliance location near you to meet with a gastroenterology specialist.

What are the treatments for dysphagia?

At GI Alliance, we offer a variety of treatment options to best meet individual needs. The most common treatments for dysphagia include:

  • Learning exercises to re-stimulate nerves that trigger the swallowing reflex
  • Learn different swallowing techniques
  • Surgery
  • Esophageal dilation
  • Medications to reduce acid reflux, corticosteroids, or muscle relaxants
  • Special liquid diet or feeding tube for severe cases
Find A Provider Find A Location

Help your swallowing difficulties subside

Schedule an appointment with a gastroenterologist at GI Alliance today if you experience any combination of the above symptoms regularly. It is important to see your doctor if weight loss or vomiting accompanies your difficulty swallowing.

I recommend Dr Yanish, I met him back in 2012, I have a fatty liver problem and at the time I was having pain too. Dr.Yanish said if I change my diet I would feel better and my fatty liver would regenerate itself, to this day I try to follow his advice and I tell my brothers and sisters to do the same. Give Dr Yanish the opportunity to work with you and for your problem. I truly believe he will give you a good outcome. God bless Dr.Yanish.

G.S. Google

Nice clean atmosphere, friendly staff. I didn't have to wait long for my appointment. All my follow up appointments were coordinated with my approval. The only complaint I have is the long wait for my colonoscopy, I was told to call to check on cancellations, to get in earlier.

J.G. Google

I enjoyed the initial consultation with a doctor but I have yet to go to the procedure and looking for you that with him and his staff thank you

D.Z. Google

I have been Dr. Abraham‘s patient ever since my brother was diagnosed with colon cancer in 2006. She is very caring, thorough and smart. I highly recommend her.

J.W. Google

Dr. Einstein was great! My colonoscopy was over and done with before I even knew it. Completely easy and painless. He took the time to explain the procedure and answer all of my questions.

K.F. Google

10

Total Reviews

4.9

Average Rating