Understanding Dysphagia, A Condition Which Causes Difficulty In Swallowing

Understanding Dysphagia, A Condition Which Causes Difficulty In Swallowing    

Among The Causes Are Acid Reflux, Diverticula, And Esophageal Tumors    

Dysphagia is a condition when there is difficulty when swallowing. It can be a symptom of a more serious condition. Among them is acid reflux, or GERD, in which acidic food matter returns to the esophagus due to a malfunction in the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), and can even reach the throat and the oral cavity. Untreated, it erodes the delicate tissue of the esophagus, narrowing it. This condition is treated with medications. Another serious condition that causes dysphagia is the presence of foreign bodies, such as diverticula, which can trap food. These bodies also appear in the colon and can get infected, resulting in an obstruction. These are removed by an endoscopic procedure. Other causes are esophageal tumors, which are early symptoms of esophageal cancer, usually a result of smoking, drinking, or obesity. Another condition is called achalasia, in which the LES is tightened, preventing the food matter from entering the stomach, causing the food to return to the oral cavity. Also, there are diffuse spasms in the esophagus, in which it contracts with high pressure, causing a painful sensation. Click here for more information.