Difficulty Swallowing/Dysphagia
Gastroenterologist in Beverly Hills
Dysphagia is the medical term for difficulty swallowing. Dysphagia may also be associated with pain. In some cases, swallowing may be impossible. Persistent dysphagia may indicate a serious medical condition requiring treatment. Dysphagia can occur at any age but is more common in older adults. If you have dysphagia or difficulty swallowing, see a GI doctor for diagnosis and treatment.
Causes of Dysphagia
There can be numerous reasons a person may experience dysphagia. Some of them include:
- Eosinophilic esophagitis – food allergies
- Peptic stricture – narrowing of the esophagus from heartburn
- Schatzki’s ring – a congenital narrowing at the bottom of the esophagus
- Dysmotility – abnormality of the esophagus muscles
- Esophagus cancer
Dysphagia Diagnosis
Your GI doctor will perform a physical examination and use a variety of tests to determine the cause of dysphagia, including X-ray, upper endoscopy, muscle tests, and imaging scans.
Dysphagia Treatment
Treatment for dysphagia depends on how severe the condition is and can include exercises to train the esophagus muscles, esophageal dilation, surgery, and medication. To learn more about dysphagia and what treatment may be best for you, contact Center for GI Health at (310) 657-4444. Our Beverly Hills gastroenterologist can diagnose and treat your dysphagia.
