Fig. 6.1 Tertiary contraction of the esophagus. Uncoordinated contractions are seen in the mid to distal esophagus (arrows) Etiology Dysphagia may be caused (Table 6.1) by a neurological deficit, which…

Approach to Esophageal Swallowing Disorder Dysphagia, odynophagia, retrosternal chest pain, regurgitation, and heartburn are the major symptoms of esophageal disorders. In oropharyngeal dysphagia, there is inability to initiate swallow, nasopharyngeal…

Fig. 1.1 The oral cavity The oral cavity is the initial site for the processing of food. It extends from the lips to the pharynx. The oral cavity is divided…

Fig. 8.1 Gastroesophageal reflux Reflux occurs due to increased relaxation of lower esophageal sphincter allowing a spontaneous reflux or increased abdominal pressure (stress reflux). Whereas some reflux is normal, several…

Fig. 3.1 Algorithm for clinical diagnosis of dysphagia   4. Associated symptoms: Does patient cough or get chest pain associated with dysphagia? Dysphagia (for solids and liquids) with chest pain…

Fig. 2.1 Oral phase of swallowing: (a) the bolus is held between the anterior end of the tongue and the hard palate during the initiation of the oral phase and…

Fig. 4.1 Lateral view on modified barium swallow study of a patient with a tracheostomy tube and a nasogastric tube. This example shows stasis in the vallecular with shallow penetration…