düsofaagia

Dysphagia is a medical term that describes difficulty in swallowing. It can affect any part of the swallowing pathway, from the mouth to the stomach, and can be a symptom of various underlying medical conditions. The sensation of difficulty can range from a feeling of food getting stuck to a complete inability to swallow.

There are two main types of dysphagia: oropharyngeal dysphagia and esophageal dysphagia. Oropharyngeal dysphagia originates in the throat and occurs when the swallowing reflex is impaired. This can be due to neurological conditions like stroke, Parkinson's disease, or muscular diseases affecting the throat muscles. Esophageal dysphagia originates in the esophagus, the tube connecting the throat to the stomach. This type is often caused by blockages or motility disorders where the esophagus does not move food down properly. Examples include strictures, achalasia, or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

Diagnosis of dysphagia typically involves a medical history, a physical examination, and specific swallowing tests. These tests might include a videofluoroscopic swallow study (VFSS) or a fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES). Treatment depends on the underlying cause and may involve speech therapy to improve swallowing techniques, dietary modifications, or medical or surgical interventions to address specific issues. Complications of untreated dysphagia can include malnutrition, dehydration, and aspiration pneumonia, which occurs when food or liquid enters the lungs.