People normally swallow hundreds of times a day to eat solids, drink liquids, and swallow the normal saliva and mucus that the body produces. The process of swallowing has four related stages:. The third and fourth parts of the swallowing process happen automatically, without you even thinking about it. When dysphagia is frequent, and the cause is not clear, your ENT specialist will discuss the history of your problem and examine your mouth and throat.
They may insert a small tube called a flexible laryngoscope through your nose to help them examine your throat in greater detail. Sometimes, giving you food or liquid while the scope is in place helps them get a better look at the back of your tongue, throat, and voice box larynx , and see what happens when you swallow. This procedure is called flexible endoscopic evaluation of swallowing FEES. In these tests, instead of a flexible laryngoscope, X-rays record how food and drinks go down, and help your doctor evaluate the entire swallowing process.
If necessary, they may do an examination of the esophagus, called trans-nasal esophagoscopy TNE , or refer you to a GI doctor for an upper endoscopy, which evaluates the esophagus and stomach with a flexible camera. TNE is similar to flexible laryngoscopy except the scope is longer and is passed all the way to the stomach.
Additional testing can include pressure testing manometry , which evaluates pressure created by the throat and esophagus muscles to see if they are working correctly. If you have trouble swallowing, it is important to seek treatment to help you avoid malnutrition, dehydration, and pneumonia.
Copyright Last reviewed August Disorders that affect our ability to speak and swallow properly can have a tremendous impact on our lives and livelihoods. ENT specialists treat sore throat, infections, gastroesophageal reflux disease GERD , throat tumors, airway and vocal cord disorders, and more. Difficulty swallowing can impact overall health and wellness, so seeing an ENT specialist as early as possible is important. There are various tests that ENT specialists use to identify and diagnose swallowing disorders.
In addition to running these tests, ENT specialists may work with other healthcare experts — neurologist, gastroenterologist, speech-language pathologist etc. An ENT specialist will likely approach treatment by discussing your experience with the specific difficulties you are having around swallowing. They will also examine the mouth and throat, and could conduct the following tests:. The cause of swallowing difficulties will determine the specific treatment that will be most effective.
Medication can treat many issues, including acid production in the stomach. In cases of severe dysphagia, when someone is unable to eat or drink, the doctor may recommend a liquid diet or a feeding tube.
In some cases, surgery may be recommended to treat dysphagia. A myotomy is a surgery that makes a small incision in the muscle at the bottom of the esophagus. If the narrowing of the esophagus is due to inoperable cancer, a small metal or wire stent may be placed during an endoscopy.
If you have difficulty swallowing, you should see a doctor. Depending on the underlying cause of your swallowing problem, you may be referred to see a Gastroenterologist, an Ear Nose and Throat ENT doctor, or a neurologist. Patient Education Patient Information. Patient Education Swallowing Disorders What is dysphagia? Difficulty swallowing can happen at any age, but it is more common in older adults. Swallowing Disorders.
Dysphagia Types There are two main types of dysphagia: Oropharyngeal dysphagia — Difficulty starting a swallow. Esophageal dysphagia — A feeling that food is stuck in the throat or chest. Dysphagia Symptoms Dysphagia is a symptom itself, but signs and symptoms of dysphagia include: Pain with swallowing odynophagia Inability to swallow A feeling that food is stuck in your throat Drooling Regurgitation Frequent heartburn Stomach acid backing up into your throat Unexpected weight loss Gagging or coughing when swallowing Dysphagia Causes There are many conditions and reasons that dysphagia may occur.
Weak muscles in the esophagus wall could also have an effect. Esophageal spasm — The involuntary muscles in the lower esophagus may contract abnormally, causing dysphagia. An esophageal spasm may also cause chest pain.
Esophageal stricture — An esophagus that is abnormally narrow stricture may block large pieces of food. Strictures may be caused by tumors or scar tissue from gastroesophageal reflux disease GERD. Esophageal tumors — If tumors are present in the esophagus, it could make swallowing difficult. Foreign bodies — Any foreign substance in the esophagus could partially block the throat or esophagus. Esophageal ring.
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