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Dysfunction in swallowing is called disphagia and usually seen in elderly. The term dysphagia refers to the feeling of difficulty passing food or liquid from the mouth to the stomach. It may be due to simple causes such as poor teeth, ill fitting dentures, common cold, gastroesophageal reflux. Other causes may include: stroke; progressive neurologic disorder; the presence of a tracheostomy tube; a paralyzed or unmoving vocal cord; a tumor in the mouth, throat, or esophagus; or surgery in the head, neck, or esophageal areas. When the difficulty does not clear up by itself in a short period of time, you should see an otolaryngologist–head and neck surgeon.
When dysphagia is persistent and the cause is not apparent, the otolaryngologist–head and neck surgeon will discuss the history of your problem and examine your mouth and throat. This may be done with the aid of mirrors or a small tube (flexible laryngoscope), If necessary, an examination of the esophagus, stomach, and upper small intestine (duodenum) may be carried out. A barium swallow or MRImay be obtained.
Many of these disorders can be treated with medication. Drugs that slow stomach acid production, and antacids are a few of the many medicines available.
Gastroesophageal reflux can often be treated by changing eating and living habits,
Many swallowing disorders may be helped by direct swallowing therapy.
Once the cause is determined, swallowing disorders may be treated with:
- medication
- swallowing therapy
- surgery
Surgery is used to treat certain problems. If a narrowing or stricture exists, the area may need to be stretched or dilated. If a muscle is too tight, it may need to be dilated or released surgically. This procedure is called a myotomy and is performed by an otolaryngologist–head and neck surgeon.
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