Swallowing problems

Swallowing problems are called dysphagia. Dysphagie can happen with solid foods, with liquids, or with both. When dysphagia causes pneumonia, weight loss, pain or happens with every swallow, you should be worried and consult an Otolaryngologist. 

Dysphagia is classified in two categories : oropharyngeal dysphagia (problem with the throat) or esophageal dysphagia (problem with transport between the throat and the stomach). The most common causes are 

• neurological (vocal cord paralysis, neurological disease such as stroke or Parkinson)

• tumors or cancers of the mouth/throat/esophagus

• dryness (due to Sjogren’s disease) 

• inflammation (such as reflux disease)

Examination by an Otolaryngologist helps identify some of these causes, and includes an exam with a camera to evaluate the throat and vocal cord function (that protect the airway during swallowing). Your ENT can then either send you for further specialized testing such as a barium swallow, CT scanning, or a speech pathology evaluation. It is possible that you might be redirected towards a gastroenterologist or a thoracic surgeon if the problem is at the level of the esophagus or stomach.