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  • Sponsored Q&A

    What conditions cause dysphagia (difficulty swallowing)?

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  • A/Prof Santosh Sanagapalli

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    Dr Santosh Sanagapalli is a Consultant Gastroenterologist who provides comprehensive and holistic care to patients with problems affecting the gastrointestinal tract. He is skilled in … View Profile

    There are many conditions that can cause dysphagia. Some of the more common ones are listed below, divided by location and type of disorder.

    Structural oesophageal disorders

    Oesophageal cancer

    Oesophageal stricture due to acid reflux, radiotherapy to chest, ingestion of caustic substances, or prior surgery of the upper gastrointestinal tract

    Eosinophilic oesophagitis

    Motility disorders of the oesophagus

    Achalasia

    Scleroderma

    Oesophageal spasm

    Structural pharyngeal disorders

    Cervical oesophageal web

    Throat cancer

    Pharyngeal stricture due to radiotherapy to throat, or prior surgery to the neck

    Zenker’s diverticulum or other pharyngeal pouch

    Motor disorders of the pharynx

    Stroke

    Neurological disorders, e.g. Parkinson’s disease, myasthenia gravis

    Muscle inflammation, e.g. myositis

    The list above is not exhaustive and many other possibilities exist.

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