Dysphagia

Definition
Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia) means it takes more time and
effort to move food or liquid from your mouth to your stomach.
Dysphagia may also be associated with pain. In some cases,
.swallowing may be impossible
Dysphagia can occur at any age, but it's more common in older
adults. The causes of swallowing problems vary, and treatment
.depends on the cause

Causes
Achalasia. When your lower esophageal muscle (sphincter) doesn't
relax properly to let food enter your stomach, it may cause you to
bring food back up into your throat. Muscles in the wall of your
esophagus may be weak as well, a condition that tends to worsen
.over time
Diffuse spasm. This condition produces multiple high-pressure,
poorly coordinated contractions of your esophagus, usually after you
swallow. Diffuse spasm affects the involuntary muscles in the walls
.of your lower esophagus
Esophageal stricture. A narrowed esophagus (stricture) can trap
large pieces of food. Tumors or scar tissue, often caused by
.gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), can cause narrowing
Esophageal tumors. Difficulty swallowing tends to get progressively
.worse when esophageal tumors are present

Treatments and drugs

Esophageal dysphagia
Treatment approaches for esophageal dysphagia may include:

Esophageal dilation. For a tight esophageal sphincter

(achalasia) or an esophageal stricture, your doctor may use an
endoscope with a special balloon attached to gently stretch and
expand the width of your esophagus or pass a flexible tube or
tubes to stretch the esophagus (dilatation).

Surgery. For an esophageal tumor, achalasia or pharyngeal

diverticula, you may need surgery to clear your esophageal path.

Medications. Difficulty swallowing associated with GERD can

be treated with prescription oral medications to reduce stomach
acid. You may need to take these medications for an extended
period. If you have eosinophilic esophagitis, you may need
corticosteroids.
If you have esophageal spasm but your esophagus appears normal
and without GERD, you may be treated with medications to relax
your esophagus and reduce discomfort.

Risk factors

The following are risk factors for dysphagia:

Aging. Due to natural aging and normal wear and tear on the
esophagus and a greater risk of certain conditions, such as stroke
or Parkinson's disease, older adults are at higher risk of
swallowing difficulties.

Certain health conditions. People with certain neurological or

nervous system disorders are more likely to experience difficulty
swallowing.