Dysphagia (Difficulty Swallowing) is the medical word for difficulty in swallowing. This symptom is usually due to a problem of the gullet (oesophagus). Less commonly, a problem at the back of the mouth, or something pressing on the oesophagus, can cause this symptom. There is a range of different causes of dysphagia - discussed below.

The severity of dysphagia can vary. When mild, it can mean a feeling of food just taking longer to pass through the oesophagus and it can be painless. Liquids may well cause no problem. When severe, it can mean both solids and liquids do not pass at all down the oesophagus and may cause you to vomit back (regurgitate) food and drink. When moderate, it can be somewhere in between these extremes.

Symptoms that may occur at the same time as dysphagia are regurgitation of food, being sick (vomiting), coughing, choking and pain on swallowing (odynophagia). But none of these other symptoms may occur if the dysphagia is mild.

How is it treated?
Exercises for your swallowing muscles. If you have a problem with your brain, nerves, or muscles, you may need to do exercises to train your muscles to work together to help you swallow. You may also need to learn how to position your body or how to put food in your mouth to be able to swallow better.

Changing the foods you eat. Your doctor may tell you to eat certain foods and liquids to make swallowing easier.

Dilation. In this treatment, a device is placed down your esophagus to carefully expand any narrow areas of your esophagus. You may need to have the treatment more than once.

Endoscopy. In some cases, a long, thin scope can be used to remove an object that is stuck in your esophagus.

Surgery. If you have something blocking your esophagus (such as a tumor or diverticula), you may need surgery to remove it. Surgery is also sometimes used in people who have a problem that affects the lower esophageal muscle (achalasia).

Medicines. If you have dysphagia related to GERD, heartburn, or esophagitis, prescription medicines may help prevent stomach acid from entering your esophagus. Infections in your esophagus are often treated with antibiotic medicines.