What is Dysphagia?
Dr. Jesse P. Houghton is a board-certified gastroenterologist. He was born and raised in New Jersey and has been practicing in Southern Ohio since 2012. He has been in practice for over 13 years. He treats both gastrointestinal as well as liver diseases. He prides himself in carefully listening to his patients and their... more
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Dysphagia is the medical term for difficulty swallowing. There are several different causes, although the most common is GERD (acid reflux)-induced inflammation of the lower esophagus. When acid reflux from the stomach comes up into the lower esophagus repeatedly over time, it causes irritation and swelling, which can narrow the lumen (opening) of the lower esophagus. Therefore, food can get caught or ‘hung-up’ in this area. The most common types of food to get caught are meats (steak, chicken, pork). Bread products also tend to get hung up.
Less common causes of dysphagia include a motility disorder (problem with how the esophagus contracts), a fixed stricture or narrowing, or worst-case scenario a tumor (often associated with black stool and weight loss). Dysphagia should be differentiated from ‘globus sensation’, which is the feeling that something is always present in the back of the throat or neck. Globus is often associated with stress and anxiety.
You may be surprised to know that the most common reason that most gastroenterologists have to rush to the hospital after-hours, is a food impaction in the esophagus. So, we take dysphagia seriously!
Be well!
