Question 1

i have had dysphagia for years now and i believe to have found part of the problem...colllapsed trachea?

Accepted Answer

Not trachea: Dysphagia is difficulty in swallowing. Trachea is the main breathing tube. Collapsed trachea will cause a great deal of difficulty in breathing but not in swallowing.

Question 2

my dysphagia comes and goes. i worry about doing the barium test in a good day. would it show a result if i don't choke or regurgitate food there?

Accepted Answer

Dysphagia: Your barium swallow (aka esophagram) should unmask any esophageal motility problems, regardless of wether or not you have any symptoms during the procedure. You should report any symptoms during the test to the radiology tech so they can be documented and timed.

Question 3

how common is dysphagia?

Accepted Answer

Becoming common: Dysphagia is "difficult to swallow" reasons can be anatomic or related to enlarged thyroid but these days is commonly associated with reflux. Reflux is more common with heavy intake of caffeine, alcohol, acid or tomato based foods.

Question 4

how can you treat dysphagia?

Accepted Answer

Many answers: Dysphagia is a very broad term for difficulty in swallowing.  Various things can cause this: infection, inflammation, mass, excess mucus, nerve paralysis.  After your primary care doctor takes a detailed history and performs a complete physical, he/she can direct you to the next steps.  This may include specific x-rays and endoscopies by an ear, nose, & throat or GI doctor.

Question 5

what medications would you recommend for dysphagia?

Accepted Answer

Dysphagia: Is a symptom and there are many possible causes for it. Diagnosing first the condition causing dysphagia will help establish the appropriate treatment. Workup may include invasive tests such as an upper endoscopy and/or imaging following barium swallow.

Question 6

are there racial disparities in regards to dysphagia diagnosis?

Accepted Answer

More of a symptom: Dysphagia is more of a symptom than a diagnosis. Specifically, dysphagia is difficulty with swallowing, which can be associated with an extremely large number of medical diagnoses. Many diseases are more common in some racial groups than others because these diseases, like race, is linked to genetics. This is not a disparity but genetic distribution.

Question 7

can dysphagia lead dehydration?

Accepted Answer

Yes: If one has enough difficulty in swallowing, then one may not drink enough fluids to stay hydrated.  This dehydration needs to be treated immediately and then the underlying disorder must also be found and treated.

Question 8

does oropharyngeal dysphagia cause constant coughing?

Accepted Answer

Coughing: It is does if you are aspirating, impaired sensory innervation, or have associated laryngophargeal reflux. try prilosec and see ENT. May need barium esophageal.

Question 9

what is the difference between in dysphagia and globus?

Accepted Answer

DYSPHAGIA: Dysphagia is difficulty swallowing. Globus means sensation of fullness or mass in the throat. They may occur together but usually occur independently.

Question 10

how long does dysphagia typically resolve after a linx procedure?

Accepted Answer

Sorry, it may not...: Common risks include: Difficulty swallowing (68%), Pain (24%), Stomach bloating (14%), Painful swallowing (8%), Hiccups (8%), Nausea (7%), Inability to belch or vomit (6%), Decreased Appetite (4%), 
Increased belching (2%), Flatulence (2%), Weight loss (2%), Vomiting (1%), Food impaction (1%), others. Ref http://www.surgery.usc.edu/uppergi-general/gastroesophagealrefluxdisease-linx-risksbenefits.

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Doctor answers about:

Intermittent dysphagia

A member asked:

I have had dysphagia for years now and i believe to have found part of the problem...colllapsed trachea?

A member asked:

My dysphagia comes and goes. i worry about doing the barium test in a good day. would it show a result if i don't choke or regurgitate food there?

A member asked:

How common is dysphagia?

A member asked:

How can you treat dysphagia?

A member asked:

What medications would you recommend for dysphagia?

A member asked:

Are there racial disparities in regards to dysphagia diagnosis?

A member asked:

Can dysphagia lead dehydration?

A member asked:

Does oropharyngeal dysphagia cause constant coughing?

A member asked:

What is the difference between in dysphagia and globus?

A member asked:

How long does dysphagia typically resolve after a linx procedure?

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