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You are here : Healthopedia.com > Medical Encyclopedia > Medical Symptoms > Difficulty Swallowing: Symptoms & Signs
      Category : Health Centers > Throat Disorders

Difficulty Swallowing

Alternate Names : Dysphagia

Difficulty Swallowing | Symptoms & Signs | Diagnosis & Tests | Prevention & Expectations | Treatment & Monitoring | Pictures and Images | Attribution


What are the signs and symptoms of the condition?

When someone complains of difficult swallowing, the healthcare provider will want to know:

  • what the person means by difficulty swallowing. For example, a person may feel as though food is "sticking" in the throat or chest. Another individual may also have trouble when he or she starts to swallow. An individual may have pain with swallowing, but be able to swallow without difficulty.
  • how long the trouble has been occurring
  • whether there is any pain when swallowing
  • whether the trouble is constant or only happens sometimes
  • whether the trouble comes on with solid food, liquids or both
  • whether the trouble started suddenly or slowly
  • whether there has been any weight loss
  • what other medical conditions the person may have
  • what medications, drugs, and herbs the person may be taking
  • whether there is any family history of swallowing trouble
  • whether the person is having any other symptoms
  • Other questions may be asked as well.


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    Difficulty Swallowing: Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors

     

    Difficulty Swallowing: Diagnosis & Tests

    Author: Adam Brochert, MD
    Reviewer: Gail Hendrickson, RN, BS
    Date Reviewed: 08/07/01









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    Page Last Updated: 30th May, 2006