Dysphagia Diagnosis and Treatment Available at Mercy in Baltimore
Dysphagia can be caused by different esophageal disorders. At The Center for Heartburn and Reflux Disease at Mercy, our experts use advanced techniques to diagnose the reason for dysphagia as well as provide advanced treatment options for patients who have trouble swallowing.
Dysphagia, known as a swallowing disorder, causes trouble swallowing or painful swallowing. Achalasia, GERD, esophageal cancer, eosinophilic esophagitis, and esophageal-motility disorders can cause dysphagia. In addition, dysphagia can be caused by nervous system disorders or head and spinal cord injuries.
Dysphagia is classified into two categories depending on the location in which the trouble swallowing originates:
- Oropharyngeal dysphagia – begins prior to food reaching the esophagus and often results from neuromuscular disease or obstructions
- Esophageal dysphagia – originates in the esophagus
Symptoms of dysphagia include reflux, heartburn, pain while swallowing, the feeling food is stuck in the throat, coughing, or gagging.
Dysphagia can be diagnosed by conducting:
- Endoscopy
- Barium swallow study
- Dynamic swallow study