THROAT DYSPHAGIA BASIC INFORMATION DESCRIPTION Difficulty or pain in swallowing. It is a fairly common symptom with a wide variety of causes that can be benign or possibly malignant. Chances of a serious disorder are slight, but if it is a serious disorder, early diagnosis is essential. FREQUENT SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS Pain associated with swallowing. The feeling that food "gets stuck" on the way down. The swallowing difficulty may progress over several weeks. Choking. Pressure sensation in mid chest. CAUSES. Foreign object lodging at back of throat. A scratch in the throat lining caused by a foreign object. Insufficient production of saliva. Esophageal spasm. Tumors (benign or cancer). Stricture (narrowing of the passage). Inflammation (esophagitis). In children, may be caused by malformation, delayed maturation, cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy. Hernia of part of the esophagus through a weak area in the surrounding muscle. Nervous system disorder (stroke, myasthenia gravis). Outside pressure on the esophagus possibly caused by a goiter or aortic aneurysm. RISK INCREASES WITH Older adults. Smoking. PREVENTIVE MEASURES No specific preventive measures. EXPECTED OUTCOME Outcome will vary depending on the cause. POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS Complications will depend on underlying disorder. TREATMENT GENERAL MEASURES Medical tests to determine the cause of the dysphagia. These may include endoscopy, esophageal manometry, barium X-ray examination, CT scan of the chest. Treatment will be directed to the cause of the dysphagia. Hospitalization may be required for severe disorders.  Surgery may be needed for some benign or malignant disorders. MEDICATION Medication will be determined by the cause. ACTIVITY Usually no restrictions apply, but will be determined by diagnosis and treatment. DIET Can range from normal to total intravenous feeding depending on degree of obstruction. NOTIFY OUR OFFICE IF If you or a family member develops difficulty or pain while swallowing. Do not delay calling as this is a major symptom of what could be a malignant disorder. Early diagnosis is essential. New or unexplained symptoms develop. Drugs used in treatment may cause side effects.