A clear guide for Valley Gastroenterology patients.
What is dysphagia?
Dysphagia means difficulty swallowing. Food or liquids may feel slow, stuck, or painful when moving from the mouth to the stomach. It can occur at any age and should be evaluated, especially if symptoms are new or worsening.
Common symptoms
- Food “sticking,” needing extra water to swallow
- Coughing or choking while eating; regurgitation of food
- Chest discomfort or heartburn
- Unintentional weight loss or avoiding certain foods
Red‑flag symptoms — call us promptly
- Progressive trouble swallowing, especially with solids then liquids
- Weight loss, vomiting, bleeding, or chest pain
- Aspiration signs: coughing fits, recurrent pneumonia, or voice changes after meals
If you have severe chest pain, trouble breathing, or food impaction (food stuck that won’t pass), go to the ER.
Possible causes (examples)
- Esophageal narrowing/stricture from acid reflux or scarring
- Schatzki ring or webs
- Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE)
- Motility disorders (achalasia, spasm)
- Neurologic or muscle conditions affecting coordination
- Zenker’s diverticulum
- Esophageal or throat tumors (less common but important to rule out)
How we evaluate
- Clinic assessment: history, exam, medication review
- Upper endoscopy (EGD): looks for inflammation, rings/webs, strictures; allows biopsy and dilation if needed
- Barium swallow (esophagram): X‑ray while swallowing to outline structure and movement
- Esophageal manometry: measures muscle contractions and sphincter function
- pH/impedance testing: checks acid and non‑acid reflux when GERD is suspected
Your plan may include more than one test so we can pinpoint both structure and function.
Treatment options
- Dilation of strictures/rings during endoscopy
- Acid suppression (PPI) for reflux‑related disease
- EoE therapies: topical swallowed steroids, elimination diet
- Motility disorders: specialized approaches (e.g., medications, botulinum injection, or referral for advanced therapy)
- Speech‑Language Pathology referral for swallow therapy and safe‑swallow strategies
Eating & safety tips
- Take small bites; chew thoroughly; sip liquids between bites
- Sit upright during meals and for 30–60 minutes afterward
- Choose softer, moist foods; add sauces/gravies
- Stop eating and seek care if food is stuck or if you develop chest pain or breathing trouble
Follow‑up & monitoring
- We will review results and create a stepwise plan
- If biopsies are taken (e.g., to assess EoE), results are typically available in 7–14 days via phone or portal
- Some conditions need repeat dilation or ongoing medical therapy
Alaska‑specific note
Bad weather or unsafe roads? We’ll reschedule without penalty and offer telehealth for appropriate visits.
Contact:
Valley Gastroenterology
3190 E Meridian Park Loop, Suite 206
Wasilla, Alaska 99654
Phone: (907) 373-2544
Fax: (844) 689-4240
Web: ValleyGastroAK.com
Dysphagia (Trouble Swallowing) — Patient Information