diszfágia

Diszfágia is the medical term for difficulty swallowing. It can affect any part of the swallowing process, from chewing food to moving it from the mouth to the stomach. This condition can lead to pain, discomfort, malnutrition, dehydration, and even aspiration pneumonia, where food or liquid enters the lungs.

There are many potential causes of diszfágia, broadly categorized into oropharyngeal and esophageal. Oropharyngeal diszfágia involves problems with the mouth and throat, often due to neurological conditions like stroke, Parkinson's disease, or multiple sclerosis, as well as head and neck cancers or surgery. Esophageal diszfágia occurs when the esophagus, the tube connecting the throat to the stomach, has issues. This can be caused by blockages from tumors or strictures (narrowing), motility disorders like achalasia where the esophageal muscles don't relax properly, or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

Diagnosing diszfágia typically involves a medical history, physical examination, and often specialized tests such as a barium swallow, esophagoscopy, or manometry to assess the function of the swallowing mechanism. Treatment strategies are tailored to the underlying cause and may include dietary modifications, swallowing exercises and therapy, medication to manage reflux or motility issues, or in severe cases, surgical interventions or the use of feeding tubes. Early diagnosis and appropriate management are crucial to prevent complications and improve the quality of life for individuals experiencing diszfágia.