Dysphagia: Difficult Swallowing
Dysphagia means difficulty in swallowing, the word "dysphagia" is derived from the Greek dys meaning bad or disordered, and the root phag- meaning "eat".
Associated Signs and symptoms
- Difficulty in swallowing
- Sensation of food getting stuck in your throat or chest
- Regurgitation
- Heartburn
- Coughing especially when Supine
- Weight loss
- Aspiration pneumonia
Causes
Swallowing disorders can occur in all age groups, but the incidence is higher in the elderly. According to site involved it can be of two type-
- Oropharyngeal Dysphagia
- Esophageal Dysphagia
1. Oropharyngeal Dysphagia
Patient is unable to transfer food bolus from mouth into the upper esophagus.
Two types
Structural (obstructive)-
Neurological (propulsive)-
Structural (obstructive)-
- Tumors of tongue and Tonsils
- Peritonsillar abscess
- Zenker Diverticulum
Neurological (propulsive)-
- Stroke
- Parkinson disease
- Motor neuron disease
- Multiple sclerosis
- Myasthenia gravis
Diagnosis – modified barium swallow studies
Treatment
- Treat underlying pathology
- Swallowing exercises
- Dietary changes (soft and easy to swallow foods)
2. Esophageal Dysphagia
Two types
Structural (obstructive)-
Neurological (propulsive)-
Structural (obstructive)
Internal obstruction within the esophagus
- Esophageal carcinoma
- Esophageal strictures (GERD or radiation exposure)- dilation is treatment
- Foreign body obstruction
External compression
- Mediastinal masses
Neurological (propulsive)
- Achalasia
- Scleroderma
- Nutcracker esophagus
Diagnosis
- Upper GI endoscopy and biopsy
- Barium swallow study
- Esophageal motility study
Treatment
- Treat the underlying cause
- Dilation of stricture
- Removal of external compression
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Revision for today https://creativemeddoses.com/topics-list/fetal-alcohol-syndrome-fas/
Good explanatory video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jK1o3LSQmB0
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