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Not Being Able to Swallow Can Ruin More Than Your Appetite

Though most of us have experienced trouble swallowing some particularly disgusting dish during our lifetimes, for those with dysphagia—also known as a swallowing disorder—all food becomes nearly impossible to eat. At first, it may not seem like a death sentence; if meal replacers don't work, there's always a feeding tube, right? But people with severe swallowing disorders are locked out of any activity that involves eating or drinking, often meaning that their days of socialization are over.

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  Dysphagia DDx

Differential diagnosis of dysphagia – difficulty swallowing...

Articles of Interest

An Algorithmic Approach to Dysphagia

Dysphagia, or difficulty swallowing, has a broad differential diagnosis. The systematic approach detailed in the algorithm explores common etiologies based on clinical features guiding the localization of the affected anatomical site and characteristics suggestive of the underlying process.

Esophageal Motility Disorders: Current Approach to Diagnostics and Therapeutics

Dysphagia is a common symptom with significant impact on quality of life. Our diagnostic armamentarium was primarily limited to endoscopy and barium esophagram until the advent of manometric techniques in the 1970s, which provided the first reliable tool for assessment of esophageal motor function. Since that time, significant advances have been made over the last 3 decades in our understanding of various esophageal motility disorders due to improvement in diagnostics with high-resolution esophageal manometry.

Inside a Swallowing Disorders Support Group

A visit to a dysphagia support group in Seattle to explore what life is like when you struggle to swallow.

Many people have a hard time swallowing. Here’s how that affects their lives

Swallowing food, drink, and saliva is a central part of our lives. It’s something we do about 900 times a day, yet we barely give it a second thought. We’re mostly unaware of the many food decisions we make every day.

Paucis Verbis card: Dysphagia

Determine first if patient has oropharyngeal vs esophageal dysphagia. Determine if mechanical (problem is solid foods only) vs neuromuscular (problem with liquids and solids)is more likely.

THE CASE: 63 y/o M with dysphagia

This series is designed for medical students interested in emergency medicine and first year residents. Remember, this is a big picture view of how to approach and manage these patients, as you continue your training you will refine your differential diagnoses and have a better understanding of the nuances in management.

What is dysphagia?

People with dysphagia have difficulty swallowing and may even experience pain while swallowing (odynophagia). Some people may be completely unable to swallow or may have trouble safely swallowing liquids, foods, or saliva. When that happens, eating becomes a challenge.

When Swallowing Food Becomes a Problem

Dysphagia can have devastating effects on a person's quality of life. But depending on the cause, various therapies can in many cases ease or eliminate this distressing symptom and restore a person's ability to eat and enjoy normal foods.

Why Is It Hard for Some People to Swallow Pills?

For some healthy adults, getting sick enough to require medication is only half of the problem. The other is getting that pill to go down. Stephen Cassivi, a thoracic surgeon at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., who specializes in esophageal disorders, offers one explanation for why some people find it difficult to swallow pills.

Resources

Dysphagia Research Society

The Dysphagia Research Society is organized exclusively for charitable, educational and scientific purposes.

American Board of Swallowing and Swallowing Disorders

AB-SSD certifies speech–language pathologists (SLPs) who have advanced knowledge, skills and experience.

National Foundation of Swallowing Disorders

Our commitment is to provide patient hope and improve quality of life for those suffering from all types of swallowing disorders. By enhancing direct patient support, education, research and raising public, professional and governmental awareness, our mission is to advance the prevention and treatment of swallowing disorders in our lifetime.

MedlinePlus

Anyone can have a swallowing disorder, but it is more common in older adults...