🍽️ Dysphagia (Trouble Swallowing)

Easy Questions & Answers for Patients

❓ What is dysphagia?

😣 Dysphagia means trouble swallowing food or liquids.
You may feel like food gets stuck in your throat or chest.

❓ What are common symptoms?

• 🍴 Feeling food sticks in your throat or chest

• 🤰 Pain when swallowing

• 💧 Coughing or choking while eating or drinking

• 🤢 Regurgitation (food coming back up)

• ⚡ Heartburn or chest discomfort

🌿 Dysphagia and Esophageal Stenosis

❓ What is esophageal stenosis?

🛣️ Stenosis means the esophagus (food pipe) is narrowed.

❓ How does it cause dysphagia?

💩 Narrowing makes it hard for food to pass, causing:

• Food getting stuck

• Slow swallowing

• Pain

🌸 Dysphagia and Esophageal Strictures

❓ What is an esophageal stricture?

✂️ A stricture is a scarred or tight area in the esophagus.

❓ How does it cause dysphagia?

💩 Scar tissue blocks food, especially solid foods.

• Swallowing solids may be harder than liquids

🌿 Dysphagia and Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE)

❓ What is EoE?

🧬 EoE is an allergic inflammation of the esophagus caused by food or environmental triggers.

❓ How does it cause dysphagia?

💩 Inflammation thickens the esophagus and can create rings or narrow areas:

• Food sticks in the chest

• Painful swallowing

• Sometimes vomiting

❓ How is dysphagia diagnosed?

🩺 Doctors may use:

• 🔍 Endoscopy (look inside the esophagus)

• 📸 Imaging (barium swallow)

• 🧪 Biopsy to check for EoE

• ⏱️ Swallowing tests

❓ How is dysphagia treated?

✅ For stenosis or strictures:

• 💉 Dilation (stretching the narrowed area)

• 💊 Medications for acid reflux if present

✅ For EoE:

• 💊 Anti-inflammatory medications (swallowed steroids)

• 🥗 Food elimination diet to avoid triggers

• 🔍 Regular follow-up with your doctor

❓ Tips to make swallowing easier

• 🥄 Take small bites

• 💧 Drink water with meals

• 🍴 Chew food well

• 🪑 Sit upright while eating

• ⚖️ Avoid foods that commonly get stuck (dry bread, tough meat)

❓ When should I see a doctor?

📞 Call your doctor if you have:

• Food sticking in the chest often

• Painful swallowing

• Vomiting

• Weight loss

• Trouble swallowing liquids

🩺 Key Messages

✅ Dysphagia can be caused by narrowing, strictures, or allergic inflammation
✅ Treatments include medications, dilation, and dietary changes
✅ Early evaluation helps prevent complications and improves eating