Overview
Dysphagia can affect the mouth, throat or food pipe. It can lead to choking, chest infections and weight loss, so the cause should always be checked.
Symptoms
- Food sticking in the throat or chest
- Coughing or choking when eating or drinking
- Pain when swallowing
- Bringing food back up
- Weight loss
Causes and risk factors
Causes include stroke and other nerve conditions, acid reflux and narrowing of the food pipe, achalasia, throat or oesophageal tumours and dry mouth.
Diagnosis
Tests may include an endoscopy, barium swallow, swallowing assessment by a speech therapist and oesophageal manometry.
Treatment
Treatment depends on the cause and may include swallowing therapy, diet changes, medicines for reflux, stretching a narrowed oesophagus or surgery.
When to see a doctor
See a doctor for swallowing problems that last or get worse. Seek emergency care if food is stuck and you cannot swallow saliva.
This information is for general education and does not replace advice from a qualified doctor. For a medical emergency, call +92-51-8446666 or go to the nearest emergency department.
