What Is difficulty swallowing?

Difficulty swallowing is a swallowing disorder that can be caused by any structure, from the lip to the sphincter at the end of the oesophagus.

Ocurrence

• It is estimated that chronic difficulty swallowing affects 8–10 per cent of the population over the age of 50, and even more so among residents of care homes.

Common causes

• Inflammation/infection in the mouth and throat
• Anatomical changes in the oral cavity (enlarged tonsils, tumours in the oral cavity, tooth decay, dentures)
• Acid-related symptoms
• Oesophageal cancer
• Oesophageal pouch
• Seizure
• Neurological disorders (Parkinson’s, MS, myasthenia gravis)
• Mental health disorder

Who can help you?

One of our ENT specialists will be able to carry out a thorough examination to reach the correct diagnosis and start the appropriate treatment. If necessary, you can also consult our neurologist or one of our dentists. We also offer gastroscopy to examine the anatomy from the oral cavity to the stomach.

We have standardised procedures and access to state-of-the-art equipment to ensure that our patients are assessed thoroughly and promptly.