
Dysphagia (difficulty swallowing) has many causes. Dysphagia can be caused by diseases of the brain, diseases or conditions that affect muscle function, diseases of the esophagus, or obstructions of the upper digestive tract and esophagus. Symptoms of dysphagia generally is a mild to severe form of difficulty swallowing. Treatment of dysphagia depends on the cause.
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Acid Reflux Disease (GERD)
Acid reflux (GERD) is caused by acid backing up from the stomach. Causes of acid reflux include smoking, obesity, alcohol, medications, diet, and other medical conditions. Symptoms of acid reflux include heartburn, acid indigestion, dry cough, hoarseness, wheezing, and more. Treatment of acid reflux include lifestyle changes and medication. -
Alzheimer's Disease Stages: Symptoms and Signs
Alzheimer's disease is one of the many causes of dementia. Symptoms of Alzheimer's disease typically progress over a period of years. There are warning signs of Alzheimer's, early, middle, and late stage symptoms of Alzheimer's disease. If you know someone who may have the warning signs or symptoms of Alzheimer's disease they should be evaluated by a health care professional. -
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a nervous system disorder that progressively reduces the sufferer's ability to contol movement. The disease is marked by lost of strength, the ability to write, walk and ultimately talk and breath. Most people with ALS die in five years after diagnosis. -
Barium Swallow
A barium swallow is a test used to determine causes of painful or difficulty swallowing, and diseases such as GERD, hiatal hernia, ulcers, dysphagia, tumors, or polyps of the esophagus and stomach. Risks of barium swallow include an allergic reaction to the barium drink, constipation, or aspiration of barium into the windpipe.The barium swallow procedure takes about 30 to 60 minutes. -
Cancer of the Mouth and Throat
Cancer of the mouth and throat may look like an ulcer or a sore on the tongue, lips, inside lining of the cheeks, and other structures. Tobacco use, sun exposure, and human papillomavirus (HPV) are just some risk factors for mouth and throat cancer. Treatment may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, and targeted therapy. The prognosis of mouth and throat cancer depends on many factors. -
Cerebral Palsy
Cerebral palsy (CP) is an umbrella term for a group of disorders affecting body movement, balance, and posture. Loosely translated, cerebral palsy means "brain paralysis." Cerebral palsy is caused by damage done to certain parts of the developing brain. Treatment of cerebral palsy can reduce disability caused by the disorder. -
Cancer of the Esophagus
Two types of tumors affect the esophagus: squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma. Symptoms of esophageal cancer include difficulty swallowing (dysphagia), weight loss, central chest pain, pain upon swallowing, vomiting, chronic cough, and symptoms of gastrointestinal bleeding. Esophageal cancer is treated by surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. -
Hiatal Hernia
Hiatal hernia is a condition in which the upper portion of the stomach protrudes into the chest cavity through an opening of the diaphragm called the esophageal hiatus. This can cause heartburn, gastroesophageal reflux, difficulty swallowing, pain, and other problems. Lifestyle changes like losing weight, exercising and diet modification are indicated, as well as prescription antacids like omeprazole. -
Huntington Disease Dementia
Huntington disease (HD) is a virus that causes movement disorder and neurological problems. The neurological problems eventually cause cognitive and emotional disabilities that eventually descend into dementia. -
Progressive Supranuclear Palsy
Progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) is a disease that causes the brain to degenerate, leading to problems with movement and balance, loss of cognitive function, memory, speech, and attention. This loss ultimately leads to dementia, and PSP usually affects those over 60. There is no treatment for this disease, the symptoms of which are sometimes similar to Parkinson Disease. -
Sjogren Syndrome
Sjogren's syndrome is a disorder of the moisture-producing glands. The cause of Sjogren's syndrome is unknown. Treatment focuses on relieving symptoms such as dry mouth and eyes.
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Alzheimer's Disease Symptoms Alzheimer's disease is one of the many causes of dementia. Symptoms of Alzheimer's disease typically progress over a period of years. There are warning signs of Alzheimer's, early, middle, and late stage symptoms of Alzheimer's disease. If you know someone who may have the warning signs or symptoms of Alzheimer's disease they should be evaluated by a health care professional.
Dysphagia (Difficulty Swallowing) Topic Guide - Visuals
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