Difficulty Swallowing

Difficulty swallowing, also known as dysphagia, can be caused by a variety of factors. It can be a benign condition, or it can be a symptom of a more serious underlying condition. Dysphagia can affect people of all ages and can be caused by structural abnormalities in the esophagus, neurological conditions, or inflammatory conditions.

Some common causes of dysphagia include:

• Structural abnormalities in the esophagus, such as a narrowed or strictured esophagus (e.g. Schatzki ring), or a hiatal hernia

• Inflammatory conditions, such as eosinophilic esophagitis (EOE) or esophagitis

• Neurological conditions, such as stroke, multiple sclerosis, or Parkinson's disease

Esophageal cancer is a serious condition that can also cause dysphagia. Risk factors for esophageal cancer include tobacco and alcohol use, obesity, and a history of Barrett's esophagus (a condition in which the lining of the esophagus becomes damaged by stomach acid).

If you have a history of risk factors for esophageal cancer or are experiencing symptoms of dysphagia, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. An upper endoscopy, which is a procedure in which a thin, flexible tube with a camera is inserted through the mouth and into the esophagus, can help to diagnose the cause of dysphagia and may also be therapeutic if a benign narrowing or inflammatory condition is found which may be amenable to dilation (gentle widening of the esophagus to alleviate symptoms).

Do not ignore your symptoms of dysphagia. Contact a gastroenterologist today to schedule an appointment and get the help you need. Early diagnosis and treatment can help to manage your symptoms and reduce the risk of complications.