GL Surgical Logo Horizontal Transparent
Make Appointment
Back

Difficulty Swallowing

Condition

Dysphagia In A Nutshell

  • Dysphagia, also known as difficulty in swallowing, is a condition in which it takes more time and effort to move food or liquid from the mouth to the stomach.
  • When left untreated, dysphagia can lead to weight loss, malnutrition, and dehydration.
  • Acid reflux is one of the most common causes of dysphagia.
  • Diagnosis for the cause of dysphagia may involve a physical examination along with gastroscopy, X-ray or CT scans.
  • Dysphagia is a serious medical condition as it can be a sign of severe diseases such as oesophageal cancer. 
  • It is recommended that you seek medical advice if you have persistent signs of dysphagia.

Table of Contents

Difficulty Swallowing

What Is Dysphagia?

Dysphagia, also known as difficulty in swallowing, is a condition in which it takes more time and effort to move food or liquid from the mouth to the stomach. When you have dysphagia, you may have the sensation of food getting stuck in your throat or chest. In some cases, you may actually choke on your food. 

Dysphagia can make eating difficult and uncomfortable. It can also lead to weight loss and malnutrition if you are not able to take in enough calories. This condition can be caused by a number of conditions, including neurological disorders, GERD, and cancer. 

What Causes Dysphagia (Difficulty Swallowing)?

There are many possible causes of dysphagia, ranging from medical conditions to lifestyle choices. For example, someone with a cold or the flu may have temporary dysphagia due to swelling in the throat. 

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is another common cause of dysphagia. GERD is a condition in which stomach acid flows back up into the oesophagus, causing irritation and inflammation. Difficulty swallowing can also be caused by neurologic conditions such as Parkinson’s disease and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). 

Treatment for dysphagia depends on the underlying cause. For example, if GERD is the cause, treatment may involve antacids or other medications to reduce stomach acid production. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to correct a physical blockage in the throat or oesophagus. If you experience difficulty swallowing, it is important to see your doctor so that the cause can be determined and appropriate treatment can be started.

Schedule an Appointment

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consecte adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore
Get Started

Is Dysphagia A Serious Medical Condition?

Dysphagia is a considerably serious medical condition as it can severely affect your food and liquid intake along with your speech.

When someone has dysphagia, it takes longer to eat and/or drink, and they may have to change how they eat or drink to make it easier. Dysphagia can cause problems with nutrition and hydration, as well as an increased risk for choking and aspiration pneumonia.

What Are Medical Conditions That Can Lead To Difficulty Swallowing?

Several medical conditions can lead to difficulty swallowing. The most common is GERD, or gastroesophageal reflux disease. This occurs when the muscle between the oesophagus and the stomach relaxes, allowing stomach acid to travel back into the oesophagus. This can cause inflammation and irritation, making it difficult to swallow. 

Other conditions that can lead to difficulty swallowing include oral thrush and oesophageal cancer. 

Treatment for difficulty swallowing will vary depending on the underlying cause. In some cases, lifestyle changes such as avoiding trigger foods or losing weight may be enough to improve symptoms. However, other cases may require medication or surgery. If you are experiencing difficulty swallowing, it is important to talk to your doctor so that the cause can be accurately diagnosed and treated.

When Is It Necessary To Consult A Doctor For Dysphagia?

People with dysphagia may have trouble with one or more of the following: 

  • Coughing or choking when eating or drinking 
  • Bringing food or liquid back up 
  • Having pain when swallowing 
  • Losing weight 
  • Feeling like food gets stuck in their throat or chest 

Dysphagia can make it hard to take in enough calories and fluids, leading to poor nutrition and dehydration. Dysphagia may also cause aspiration, where liquids, food, or vomit are brought up from the stomach and breathed in (inhaled). This can lead to pneumonia. 

If you think you might have dysphagia, it is vital that you see a doctor right away to diagnose the cause. Based on your symptoms and medical history, you may be required to undergo a physical exam along with additional investigative procedures.

How Can The Cause Of Dysphagia (Difficulty Swallowing) Be Diagnosed?

When diagnosing the cause of dysphagia, the first step is to take a medical history and ask about symptoms. The next step is a physical exam, which may include looking down the throat with a mirror or flexible scope. 

In some cases, further testing may be needed, such as an X-ray, CT scan, MRI or Gastroscopy (Upper GI Endoscopy). These tests can help to rule out other causes of difficulty swallowing, such as cancer or scar tissue. 

Treatment for dysphagia will depend on the underlying cause. In many cases, simple measures such as changes in diet or posture can be helpful. However, more serious cases may require surgery or other interventions. 

Dysphagia can be a nuisance or even dangerous, so it is important to seek medical help if you are having trouble swallowing.

Gastroscopy Cost: $2,780

The pricing information provided serves as a guideline from the Ministry of Health and is accurate at the time of publication. However, please note that prices may be subject to change without notice. Consult your insurance provider to understand your coverage and any potential out-of-pocket expenses. For more enquiries, contact G&L Surgical and we will gladly assist you. 

How Can Dysphagia (Difficulty Swallowing) Be Prevented?

There are a number of things that can be done to prevent dysphagia, depending on the cause. For example, if you are taking medication known to cause dysphagia, your doctor may be able to prescribe an alternative. 

If you have a neurological disorder causing dysphagia, physical therapy may help improve your swallowing function. 

And if you have a structural abnormality of the throat or oesophagus, surgery may be necessary to correct the problem. With early diagnosis and treatment, many people with dysphagia are able to lead normal, healthy lives.

Why Choose Us For Dysphagia Treatment In Singapore?

Having had experience treating patients with oesophageal problems caused by GERD for numerous patients in many years in Singapore, Dr Ganesh at G & L Surgical Clinic strives to prioritise his patients’ recovery and comfort. 

Furthermore, the staff at G & L Surgical Clinic have been thoroughly and consistently trained to make your experience a comfortable and hassle-free one. 

If you suspect that you may have dysphagia as a result of acid reflux, you can be assured that we will properly diagnose and assess your condition and ensure that you receive the care necessary for your recovery.

Organise a consultation with our team for further assistance on dysphagia treatments in Singapore.