Description
Dysphagia means difficulty swallowing while eating. There are many reasons patients can have problems swallowing. Some of the causes such as a stroke can be life threatening and require immediate medical attention.
Symptoms
Coughing or choking while swallowing, pain with swallowing, changes in diet, weight loss, voice changes, or recurrent lung infections.
Tests
Common tests used for diagnosis and treatment
Workup:
A history and physical will be performed. Blood and imaging tests will be done to determine the cause of the disorder. An esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) may be performed to examine the esophagus.
Tests:
Barium swallow, CT Scan, Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), X-ray
Other Specific Tests: Swallow evaluation test, Cough reflex test
Specialists:
Gastroenterology, Neurology, Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT), Pediatric Neurology, Pediatric Gastroenterology, Pediatric ENT (Otolaryngology)
Workup:
A history and physical will be performed. Blood and imaging tests will be done to determine the cause of the disorder. An esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) may be performed to examine the esophagus.
Tests:
Barium swallow, CT Scan, Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), X-ray
Other Specific Tests: Swallow evaluation test, Cough reflex test
Specialists:
Gastroenterology, Neurology, Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT), Pediatric Neurology, Pediatric Gastroenterology, Pediatric ENT (Otolaryngology)
Treatment
Treatment depends on the cause of the disorder.