Dysphagia
Dysphagia refers to difficulty in swallowing food, which usually occurs due to various disorders affecting the esophagus (food pipe).
Common Causes of Dysphagia:
- Some of the common reasons for swallowing difficulty include:
- Esophageal stricture (narrowing of the food pipe)
- Peptic stricture (narrowing due to acid reflux or peptic injury)
- Esophageal cancer
- Achalasia (a condition where the lower esophageal muscle fails to relax properly)
- Esophageal web (thin membrane blocking part of the esophagus)
- External compression from enlarged lymph nodes or nearby structures
Diagnosis:
To find the underlying cause, the following tests are usually done:
- Endoscopy: To visually inspect the esophagus and identify structural abnormalities
- Barium swallow: An X-ray study to assess the passage of food and detect narrowing
- Esophageal manometry: To measure the muscle movement and pressure inside the esophagus
- CECT chest: To look for any external compression or tumor involvement
Dysphagia Treatment:
Management depends on the specific cause of dysphagia and may include:
- Endoscopic dilatation to widen narrowed areas (strictures)
- Stent placement for esophageal cancers to keep the food passage open
- Balloon dilatation and medications for achalasia to improve swallowing function