Swallowing Disorders (Dysphagia)
Swallowing disorders, also known as dysphagia, occur when food or liquids do not move smoothly from the mouth to the stomach. Dysphagia may involve the throat (oropharyngeal dysphagia) or the esophagus and can range from mild discomfort to a serious condition that increases the risk of choking, aspiration, dehydration, or malnutrition.
At The Medical Group of New Jersey, our gastroenterologists use advanced diagnostic testing to identify the underlying cause of dysphagia and provide targeted, evidence-based treatment to restore safe and comfortable swallowing.
Symptom Onset and Initial Evaluation
Symptoms of dysphagia may be intermittent or progressive and often depend on the underlying cause. Common symptoms include:
- Sensation of food sticking in the throat or chest
- Difficulty swallowing solids, liquids, or both
- Chest discomfort during meals
- Coughing, choking, or throat clearing while eating or drinking
- Regurgitation of food or liquids
- Unintentional weight loss
During your initial visit, your provider will review symptom timing, food consistency triggers, history of reflux, neurological conditions, prior surgeries, and medication use. This detailed history helps differentiate structural narrowing from motility disorders or nerve-related swallowing problems.
Diagnosis
Accurate diagnosis is essential for effective treatment. Diagnostic testing may include:
- Upper endoscopy (EGD): Evaluates for inflammation, strictures, rings, webs, tumors, or other structural causes of dysphagia.
- Barium swallow study: Assesses swallowing mechanics and how food and liquid move through the esophagus.
- High-resolution esophageal manometry: Measures esophageal muscle function and helps diagnose motility disorders.
- Wireless pH monitoring: Evaluates reflux-related injury or ongoing acid exposure.
- Endoscopic functional luminal impedance planimetry (EndoFLIP): Assesses esophageal distensibility and helps evaluate conditions such as achalasia and other motility disorders.
These advanced tools allow our specialists to identify the cause of dysphagia precisely and guide the most appropriate therapy.
Treatment Options
Treatment is individualized based on the underlying diagnosis and symptom severity.
Medical Management
- Acid-suppressing therapy for reflux-related dysphagia
- Anti-inflammatory or targeted therapy for eosinophilic esophagitis
- Dietary modifications to improve swallowing safety and reduce irritation
Endoscopic Therapies
- Esophageal dilation to treat strictures or narrowing
- Endoscopic treatment for rings, webs, or selected motility-related conditions
Advanced and Surgical Options
For complex conditions such as achalasia or severe motility disorders, care may include specialized endoscopic procedures or referral for minimally invasive surgical intervention when appropriate.
Our team coordinates closely with speech-language pathologists, surgeons, and nutrition specialists to support safe swallowing, adequate nutrition, and long-term symptom control.
Ongoing Management and Follow-Up
Swallowing disorders may require ongoing monitoring to prevent recurrence and reduce the risk of complications. Follow-up visits focus on symptom improvement, nutritional status, and repeat testing when needed.
With appropriate treatment, many patients experience significant improvement in swallowing comfort, safety, and overall quality of life.
When to Seek Prompt Medical Care
Seek prompt evaluation if you experience:
- Inability to swallow food or liquids
- Frequent choking, coughing during meals, or concern for aspiration
- Chest pain that is not typical for heartburn
- Unexplained weight loss, dehydration, or worsening weakness
Early diagnosis helps prevent serious complications and ensures safe, effective management.