dysphagia

[khakiray]

what is dysphagia

[GBDave]

Hi,

I have been having dysphagia issues since 11/04/12. You have described it exactly. It "feels" like its getting stuck at the base of my throat. Then I choke and eject it most of the time. I have been battling pneumonia for 3 weeks.  Choking on salivia.

Have seen a gastroentrologist and had two endoscopy procedures. Had  a esophogeal ulcer and polyps in stomach. Treated ulcer with carafate and biopsy was clear.

Gastro does not seem to want to go further and I am frustrated and losing weight....

Should I ask my family physician for a referal to ENT, Neuroologist?

Suggestions?

Thank you!

[bhups1]

Hi, dysphagia is difficulty in swallowing, could be both for  liquids and solids or only for solid. “Dysphagia is classified into two major types: oropharyngeal dysphagia (or transfer dysphagia) and esophageal dysphagia. In some patients, no organic cause for dysphagia can be found, and these patients are defined as having functional dysphagia.

Some signs and symptoms of swallowing difficulties include difficulty controlling food in the mouth, inability to control food or saliva in the mouth, difficulty initiating a swallow, coughing, choking, frequent pneumonia, unexplained weight loss, gurgly or wet voice after swallowing, nasal regurgitation, and dysphagia (patient complaint of swallowing difficulty). When asked where the food is getting stuck patients will often point to the cervical (neck) region as the site of the obstruction. The actual site of obstruction is always at or below the level at which the level of obstruction is perceived”. Taken from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dysphagia