The very 1st step in the management of dysphagia or difficulty in swallowing is to exclude any obstruction in the swallowing pipe or oesophagus. If this problem has been progressive over a period of time, my advice for you is to quickly get an appointment and seek help from your digestive specialist.
This is to exclude any sinister problem such as a growth in your oesophagus.
The investigation of choice for dysphagia is an upper digestive endoscopy which is able to inspect your oesophagus and stomach and to collect tissue samples for confirmation when necessary. This procedure is fast, minimally invasive and pain-free with proper sedation.
Other reasons for swallowing difficulty may include
- inflammation
- uncoordinated muscle movement
- accentuated sensation
- abnormal nerve conduction in the upper digestive tract.
Depending on the actual reason, treatment may include:
- a course of proton pump inhibitor (PPI),
- balloon dilation,
- a short course of oral steroid and
- other specific treatment targeting the nervous system.
