Alternate Names: Dysphagia; Esophagus - corkscrew; Aphagia
Considerations: The opening and closing the various part of the throat is affected by both nerves and muscles.
Swallowing difficulty may be constant or intermittent.
Common Causes:
Home Care: Eat slowly and chew food thoroughly. If a person suddenly complains of choking and displays signs of difficulty breathing, the Heimlich maneuver should be performed immediately.
Call If:
- there is any difficulty in swallowing.
What To Expect: The medical history will be obtained and a physical examination performed.
Medical history questions documenting swallowing difficulty in detail may include:
- quality
- Was there difficulty with solids at first , then progressively worsening to difficulty with liquids?
- Was there difficulty with both solids and liquids?
- Is there difficulty with solids only? liquids only?
- time pattern
- Is it there all the time (constant) or off-and-on (intermittent)?
- Are there progressive swallowing problems (getting worse)?
- other
- What other symptoms are also present?
- Is there painful swallowing?
- Is there a bag-like (cystic) mass in the mouth or throat (oral cavity)?
Diagnostic tests that may be performed include:After seeing your health care provider:
If a diagnosis was made by your health care provider related to swallowing difficulty, you may want to note that diagnosis in your personal medical record.
