Dr Chin Takes a Deep Look at Difficulty Swallowing (Dysphagia): Causes and Solutions
Experiencing difficulty swallowing (Dysphagia)? Discover the causes and potential dangers of that “lump in the throat” in our informative blog post.
Difficulty swallowing, or dysphagia, is more than just an occasional annoyance. While many describe the feeling as a “lump in the throat,” persistent swallowing problems can signal a more serious swallowing disorder. In ENT and gastroenterology, dysphagia is a red flag that warrants investigation—especially when it interferes with nutrition, causes weight loss, or leads to respiratory complications.
The Complex Process of Swallowing
Swallowing is a finely tuned action involving the mouth, throat, and esophageal sphincter, working in coordination with the nervous system. This process allows food and liquids to travel safely from the oral cavity to the stomach.
Dysphagia is generally classified into two categories:
- Oropharyngeal dysphagia is difficulty initiating a swallow. It’s often linked to neurological conditions like Parkinson’s disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), or stroke, where the swallowing process is impaired at the brain or muscle control level.
- Esophageal dysphagia involves the sensation of food sticking in the chest or throat, often due to structural issues or motility problems within the esophagus itself.
When Swallowing Becomes a Symptom
Dysphagia can be caused by a variety of medical conditions. One of the most common is gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), where repeated exposure to stomach acid irritates and narrows the esophagus.
Other causes include:
- Eosinophilic esophagitis, an allergic inflammatory condition marked by elevated white blood cells
- Structural abnormalities like Zenker’s diverticulum or esophageal diverticulum
- Previous neck surgery, radiation therapy, or neck cancer that alters the anatomy of the voice box or surrounding tissue
- Viral infections such as herpes simplex virus
- Progressive neurological disorders or injuries to the spinal cord
How It’s Diagnosed
If dysphagia is suspected, your ENT or GI specialist will start with a complete medical history and physical exam. Diagnostic tools may include:
- A barium swallow, which shows how food travels through the esophagus
- A videofluoroscopic swallow study, often used to detect aspiration or coordination issues
- Endoscopic evaluation of swallowing using a small scope
- Esophageal manometry, which measures pressure and function of the esophageal muscles
- In select cases, a peroral endoscopic myotomy or further testing for immune-mediated diseases may be indicated
What treatment options are available for people with dysphagia?
Dysphagia is a swallowing disorder that makes it difficult or uncomfortable to move food or liquids from the mouth to the stomach.
Treatment varies depending on the underlying cause and may include:
- Dietary changes – Switching to softer foods or thickened liquids to ease swallowing.
- Swallowing therapy – Exercises and techniques guided by a speech-language pathologist.
- Proton pump inhibitors – Medications to reduce stomach acid in cases of acid reflux or GERD.
- Esophageal dilation – Stretching of narrowed areas in the esophagus.
- Botulinum toxin injections – Used to relax tight esophageal muscles.
- Feeding tubes – Provide nutrition when swallowing is unsafe or impossible.
- Surgery – Options like myotomy or esophageal stent placement for structural or motility issues.
With early evaluation and tailored care, most patients can improve their swallowing function and maintain proper nutrition.nasal congestion or persistent cough can also help.
- About the Author
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Dr Ronald Chin is an Australian trained Otolaryngologist Head and Neck Surgeon.
After graduating as a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons, Dr Chin undertook further specialised training in Head and Neck Cancer at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland.
He has published many research papers and is an active teacher and scholar.
As part of his subspecialty training, Dr Chin has training in Laser, Da Vinci Robotic, Flex Robotic and complex surgical techniques.
In addition to specialised Head and Neck Cancer, Dr Chin also enjoys general adult and paediatric ENT Surgery and practices sinus, snoring/sleep and general paediatric ENT Surgical procedures.
Dr Ronald Chin works as a general Otolaryngologist, offering a wide range of surgical and non-surgical treatments including ear surgery, nose surgery and throat surgery. He provides treatment for chronic conditions such as tonsillitis, sinus problems and problems with hearing.
He is also involved in the diagnosis and treatment of many conditions such as facial paralysis, head and neck cancer and sleep apnea. As well as performing surgery on children, he also provides specialist care for adults, including the treatment of throat disorders, voice loss and ear problems.
Dr Chin has also served as a Conjoint Associate Professor at the University of Sydney, a Conjoint Associate Professor at Western Sydney University and an Adjunct Associate Professor at the University of Technology Sydney.
