Swallowing Difficulty
Alternate Names : Dysphagia, Impaired Swallowing
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What to Expect at your Health Care Provider's Office
The medical history will be obtained and a physical examination performed.
Medical history questions documenting swallowing difficulty in detail may include: - Is there difficulty with solids, liquids, or both?
- Is it there all the time (constant), or off-and-on (intermittent)?
- Are there progressive swallowing problems (getting worse)?
- Does it hurt to swallow?
- What other symptoms are present?
- What other medical problems do you have?
- What medications do you take?
Diagnostic tests that may be performed include: - Barium swallow and upper GI series
- Chest X-ray
- Endoscopy (EGD)
- Esophageal acidity test, also called a pH probe (To check for acid that comes from the stomach and enters the esophagus. This is called gastroesophageal reflux disease, and often causes heartburn or a sour taste in the mouth)
- Esophageal manometry (pressure measurements)
After seeing your health care provider:
If a diagnosis was made by your health care provider related to swallowing difficulty, you may want to note that diagnosis in your personal medical record.
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