Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
192 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

What Causes Difficulty In Swallowing Food?

Hi, my father developed challenges swallowing food some years ago. At first we thought it was mere anxiety, but as years passed by we discovered that this complain became more frequent such that he had to completely chew on his meals before he could swallow. Now he says he can not swallow at all. What could the challenge be?
posted on Thu, 13 Mar 2014
Twitter Sun, 4 Mar 2018 Answered on
Twitter Wed, 7 Mar 2018 Last reviewed on
Report Abuse
Internal Medicine Specialist,  's  Response
Hello,

It may be caused by:

1. Achalasia cardia: Spasm of lower esophageal sphincter which may not allow liquid and solid food.
2. Malignancy: This may allow liquid diet and will not allow solid food.
3. Diffuse esophageal spasm: intermittent dysphagia for both solid and liquid.
4. Esophageal ring: Intermittent dysphagia to solids.

Probably, your father is suffering from progressive dysphagia maybe due to achalasia or cancer of esophagus.

Please consult your gastroenterologist, he/she will do Upper GI scopy and treat him accordingly. Do not neglect the condition of in case of malignancy the stage many progress.

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards,
Dr. Penchila Prasad Kandikattu
I find this answer helpful
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 

Related questions you may be interested in


Loading Online Doctors....
What Causes Difficulty In Swallowing Food?

Hello, It may be caused by: 1. Achalasia cardia: Spasm of lower esophageal sphincter which may not allow liquid and solid food. 2. Malignancy: This may allow liquid diet and will not allow solid food. 3. Diffuse esophageal spasm: intermittent dysphagia for both solid and liquid. 4. Esophageal ring: Intermittent dysphagia to solids. Probably, your father is suffering from progressive dysphagia maybe due to achalasia or cancer of esophagus. Please consult your gastroenterologist, he/she will do Upper GI scopy and treat him accordingly. Do not neglect the condition of in case of malignancy the stage many progress. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr. Penchila Prasad Kandikattu