Dysphagia refers to difficulty in swallowing.
The process of swallowing comprises of three phases:
Dysphagia or difficulty swallowing can happen in any of these three phases.
Patients with dysphagia affecting the oropharyngeal phase of swallowing may complain of the following symptoms:
Patients with dysphagia affecting the oesophageal phase of swallowing may complain of the following symptoms:
Depending on your symptoms and your doctor’s findings, he or she may order one of the following tests:
The type of treatment you will need to undergo will depend on the underlying cause of the dysphagia. Your doctor will usually discuss this with you.