2820 Mt. Rushmore Road
Rapid City, SD 57701
Dysphagia is the proper term used to describe conditions relating to difficulty swallowing. Often divided into two categories: esophageal dysphagia and oropharyngeal dysphagia, dysphagia can be triggered by a wide variety of conditions ranging from neurological disorders to GERD, radiation therapy and more.
A variety of symptoms may present themselves in those with dysphagia including:
The causes of dysphagia are extensive and can range from scarring from acid reflux to infection, nervous system disorders, autoimmune conditions and more. Tonsillitis, GERD, multiple sclerosis (MS), Parkinson’s disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) have all shown the potential to result in dysphagia.
Dysphagia may be diagnosed using a variety of methods including manometry, pH monitoring, upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, and more.
Treatment of dysphagia varies based on the severity and cause of the difficulty swallowing. Based on these factors, your doctor may prescribe a variety of medications and antibiotics to reduce swelling, manage GERD and acid reflux, and to relieve muscle spasms resulting in discomfort while swallowing. If the dysphagia is caused by a stricture or narrowing in the esophagus, your doctor may perform esophageal dilation during an upper endoscopy. Dysphagia may also be remedied by changes in diet, regularly exercising swallowing muscles, and properly chewing food.
