Dysphagia

This is either due to a local lesion or a generalised disease. Pts will complain of something sticking in their throat or chest during swallowing or immediately afterwards.

It is always a serious symptom and the cause must be found.

Causes of dysphagia:

Disease of the mouth and tongue (e.g. tonsillitis)

Neuromuscular disorders:

Pharyngeal disorders

Bulbar palsy (e.g. MND)

Myasthenia gravis

Oesophageal motility disorders:

Achalasia

Scleroderma

Diffuse oesophageal spasm

Presbyoesophagus

Diabetes mellitus

Chaga’s disease

Extrinsic pressure:

Mediastinal glands

Goitre

Enlarged left atrium

Intrinsic lesion:

Foreign body

Stricture:

Benign – peptic

Corrosive

Malignant – carcinoma

Lower oesophageal rings:

Oesophageal web

Pharyngeal pouch