Dysphagia

Dysphagia is a distinct symptom from other swallowing related complaints such as odynophagia, which refers to painful swallowing, and globus sensation, the sensation of a lump in the throat. Dysphagia is a common complaint that can occur in any age group, but it is more common in the elderly population. The differential diagnosis of dysphagia is broad and includes anatomic abnormalities, motility disorders, and infiltrative disorders. There are a number of potential physiologic problems that can lead to the symptom of dysphagia or odynophagia. Patients with esophageal motility disorders may have either progressive or intermittent symptoms. These include videofluoroscopic swallowing evaluation, barium esophagram, esophageal manometry, and upper intestinal endoscopy for esophageal dysphagia. The aims of treatment for dysphagia are to improve the mechanics of food bolus transfer, to ameliorate the sensation of dysphagia, to prevent esophageal food bolus impaction, and to prevent aspiration and its complications.