What is dysphagia?
Dysphagia, or trouble swallowing, can make it hard to eat, drink, or even take medicine. For some people, it may feel like food is getting stuck in the throat or chest. Others may cough or choke when trying to swallow. These symptoms can be upsetting, but you're not alone.
At MedStar Health, we take a team approach to diagnosing and treating swallowing problems. Our gastroenterology specialists work closely with otolaryngology (ENT) doctors, radiologists, pathologists, surgeons, speech-language pathologists, dietitians, and other experts to understand and address the cause of your symptoms and create a care plan just for you. With advanced testing, the latest treatments, and a deep understanding of digestive health, we’re here to help you swallow safely and comfortably again.
Dysphagia symptoms
Dysphagia can feel different for everyone. Some people notice mild trouble, while others may have more serious symptoms. If you're having problems swallowing, it's important to talk to a doctor, especially if the symptoms don’t go away or begin to affect your nutrition or quality of life.
Common signs of dysphagia include:
- Feeling like food or liquid is stuck in your throat or chest
- Drooling or trouble controlling saliva
- Unplanned weight loss
- Signs of dehydration
- Pain, coughing, gagging, or choking when trying to swallow
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, our experts at MedStar Health are here to help. We’ll work with you to find the cause and create a personalized treatment plan to help you feel better and get back to eating and drinking comfortably.
Dysphagia causes and risk factors
Swallowing is something most of us do without thinking, but it actually involves a complex process with many muscles and nerves working together. When something interrupts this process, it can lead to dysphagia. There are several reasons this might happen, and certain factors can increase your risk.
Common causes and risk factors include:
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Blockages in the esophagus: Growths like tumors or inflammation from acid reflux can narrow the esophagus and make it harder for food to pass.
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Muscle problems: Conditions that affect how the esophagus contracts, such as achalasia and other esophageal motility disorders, can cause food or liquids to get stuck.
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Nerve or brain disorders: Stroke, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, or other neurological conditions can interfere with the nerves that control swallowing.
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Acid reflux (GERD): Stomach acid can irritate or damage the esophagus over time, leading to inflammation and scarring.
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Infections or inflammation: Certain infections or autoimmune diseases, such as eosinophilic esophagitis, can cause the esophagus to swell, making swallowing painful or difficult.
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Aging: As we get older, the muscles involved in swallowing can become weaker, making it more difficult to swallow safely.
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History of surgery or radiation: Cancer treatments, such as radiation therapy involving the throat, neck, or chest, can impact swallowing over time.
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Weakened immune system: This can raise the risk of infections that may affect swallowing.
Learn more about related esophageal conditions
Diagnosing dysphagia
Once your symptoms and risk factors have been evaluated, our specialists use a variety of tests to get a clear picture of what’s causing your swallowing difficulties. Getting the right diagnosis is the first step toward helping you feel better.
Depending on your symptoms, your doctor may recommend one or more of the following tests:
- Swallowing study (such as a modified barium swallow and esophagram): You’ll be asked to swallow liquids and foods coated with a special dye while X-rays are taken. This helps us see how well your muscles and throat are working.
- Upper endoscopy (EGD): A thin, flexible tube with a camera is gently passed through your mouth to look inside your esophagus and stomach. This allows us to check for swelling, narrowing, or other problems.
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Esophageal manometry: This test measures how well the muscles in your esophagus are working. A small tube is placed through your nose and down your throat to record muscle movement as you swallow. Learn more.
- pH monitoring: If we suspect acid reflux is a cause, we may check how often acid is entering your esophagus and how long it stays there.
These tests are safe, and most can be done in an outpatient setting. Once we have a clear diagnosis, we’ll work with you to create a treatment plan that fits your needs and lifestyle.
Dysphagia treatment
Swallowing problems (dysphagia) can have many causes, and treatment depends on what’s behind the issue. Whether it’s due to muscle weakness, a blockage, or another condition, there are several ways we can help make swallowing easier and safer.
Common dysphagia treatment options include the following:
Medications
Certain medications can help treat the underlying cause of dysphagia. For example, drugs to reduce stomach acid may be used if acid reflux is causing irritation.
Esophageal dilation
If the esophagus is too narrow or has scar tissue, a doctor may gently stretch it during a procedure called esophageal dilation. This is done using an endoscope, which is a thin, flexible tube that goes through the mouth. A small balloon or soft plastic dilator is used to widen the esophagus so food can pass more easily. Because esophageal dilation is an outpatient procedure, most people go home the same day.
Swallowing therapy
In certain cases, our patients benefit from working with speech-language pathologists and rehabilitation experts who provide specialized swallowing therapy to strengthen muscles and improve function.
Surgery
Occasionally, surgery may be needed to remove a blockage, such as a tumor or a growth that’s making it hard to swallow. Surgery can also be used to repair parts of the esophagus that are not working properly. Your care team will help decide if surgery is the right option based on your condition and overall health.
Why choose us
When you trust MedStar Health with your swallowing care, you’re choosing a team with deep expertise, advanced tools, and a personalized approach to every patient. Here’s what you can expect when you choose MedStar Health for your swallowing care.
- Expert, experienced team: Our gastroenterologists, surgeons, ENT specialists, speech-language pathologists, and other providers are leaders in diagnosing and treating swallowing disorders.
- Multidisciplinary care: We take a team-based approach, bringing together specialists from across fields to deliver comprehensive, whole-person care.
- Esophageal conferences: For complex cases, experts in gastroenterology, surgery, radiation, oncology, and more gather to discuss the best treatment. You benefit from multiple expert opinions in one coordinated plan.
- Personalized treatment plans: Every patient’s situation is unique. We tailor your care based on your symptoms, goals, and overall health.
- Advanced diagnostics and treatment: From high-resolution manometry and endoscopic testing to minimally invasive procedures, we use the latest tools and techniques to diagnose and treat swallowing problems effectively.
- Innovative solutions: We stay at the forefront of care, offering leading-edge treatments backed by research that may not be available at every center.
Here, you can feel confident knowing you're in the hands of our skilled, compassionate team focused on helping you work toward better health and quality of life.
Frequently asked questions
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Will I need surgery?
Not always. Many cases can be managed with less invasive treatments. If surgery is needed, your care team will talk you through the options and explain what to expect.
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Is dysphagia common in older adults?
Yes, it can become more common with age. Muscles used for swallowing may weaken over time, or certain health conditions may make swallowing harder as you get older.
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Can I still eat and drink normally?
That depends on your condition. Your care team may recommend changing the texture of your food or how you eat to help keep you safe and comfortable while swallowing.
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When should I see a doctor?
If you’re having trouble swallowing, coughing while eating, losing weight without trying, or feeling like food gets stuck often, it’s time to get checked. Early treatment can prevent complications.