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What Causes Difficulty In Swallowing Food?

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Posted on Thu, 4 May 2017
Question: I have had trouble swallowing food. My doctor put me on Prilosec and it was better for a month. I am still taking the medication but by the end of the day I have problems swallowing food or drink. throat is irritated.
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Answered by Dr. Sunil (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Dysphagia.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for choosing HealthcareMagic for your query.

Difficulty swallowing is also called dysphagia. It is usually a sign of a problem with your throat or esophagus.The muscular tube that moves food and liquids from the back of your mouth to your stomach.

Most common causes of Dysphagia are-

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). When stomach acid backs up regularly into your esophagus, it can cause ulcers in the esophagus, which can then cause scars to form. These scars can make your esophagus narrower and cause difficulty in swallowing of food.

Reflux Esophagitis. This is inflammation of the esophagus. This can be caused by different problems, such as GERD or having an infection.

Diverticula-These are small sacs in the walls of the esophagus or the throat.
Esophageal tumors. These growths in the esophagus may be cancerous or not cancerous.

I would suggest you to go for few initial investigations to rule out the cause of the problem like Upper G.I endoscopy.
Once the cause is ruled out treatment can be done.

Thanks.
Note: For further follow up on digestive issues share your reports here and Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana
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Answered by
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Dr. Sunil

Gastroenterologist

Practicing since :1982

Answered : 351 Questions

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What Causes Difficulty In Swallowing Food?

Brief Answer: Dysphagia. Detailed Answer: Hi, Thanks for choosing HealthcareMagic for your query. Difficulty swallowing is also called dysphagia. It is usually a sign of a problem with your throat or esophagus.The muscular tube that moves food and liquids from the back of your mouth to your stomach. Most common causes of Dysphagia are- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). When stomach acid backs up regularly into your esophagus, it can cause ulcers in the esophagus, which can then cause scars to form. These scars can make your esophagus narrower and cause difficulty in swallowing of food. Reflux Esophagitis. This is inflammation of the esophagus. This can be caused by different problems, such as GERD or having an infection. Diverticula-These are small sacs in the walls of the esophagus or the throat. Esophageal tumors. These growths in the esophagus may be cancerous or not cancerous. I would suggest you to go for few initial investigations to rule out the cause of the problem like Upper G.I endoscopy. Once the cause is ruled out treatment can be done. Thanks.