Svelgebesvær

Svelgebesvær, medically known as dysphagia, refers to difficulty in swallowing. This can manifest as pain during swallowing, a sensation of food sticking in the throat or chest, or the inability to swallow. Dysphagia can affect the oral phase (difficulty chewing or moving food to the back of the throat), pharyngeal phase (difficulty initiating a swallow and moving food down the throat), or esophageal phase (difficulty moving food down the esophagus to the stomach).

The causes of dysphagia are varied and can be broadly categorized into neurological, structural, and functional issues. Neurological conditions such as stroke, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) can impair the nerves and muscles involved in swallowing. Structural abnormalities like tumors, strictures (narrowing) in the esophagus, or esophageal rings can physically obstruct the passage of food. Functional problems may arise from muscle weakness or coordination issues.

Diagnosis typically involves a medical history, physical examination, and may include specialized tests such as a modified barium swallow study or an esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD). Treatment strategies depend on the underlying cause and can include dietary modifications, speech therapy exercises to improve swallowing mechanics, medication to address underlying conditions, or surgical interventions in some cases. Persistent dysphagia can lead to malnutrition, dehydration, and aspiration pneumonia, making timely diagnosis and management crucial.