Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia) is a sign that something isn’t quite right with your throat or esophagus.
Dysphagia can cause swallowing to be painful or almost impossible. While swallowing certain types of food can prove to be more complex, the condition of dysphagia is a persistent difficulty or pain when swallowing. If you are experiencing dysphagia, you should seek a medical evaluation. SFENTA can help diagnose and treat this condition. Our staff offers swallowing testing and therapy to make this everyday action more effortless and comfortable.
If you visit us for dysphagia, your physician will attempt to identify the underlying cause of your symptoms. You can expect them to perform the following:
Images of your throat, esophagus, neck, or chest can aid in a diagnosis.
Using a fiberoptic scope or mirror, your doctor will examine the back of your throat.
A thin, flexible scope will be placed in your mouth and down your throat to examine your esophagus, stomach, and upper intestines. If any abnormality is found, a piece of tissue may be removed for a biopsy.
Your treatment plan will be designed to address the underlying cause of your dysphagia. In most cases, this will include a combination of the following:
If your esophagus has narrowed in some areas, it can be carefully expanded with dilation.
If a tumor or growth is blocking your esophagus and causing your swallowing problems, it will need to be removed with surgery.
If your challenges are related to GERD or esophagitis, prescription-strength medications will be administered.
Dysphagia is when one requires more time or has difficulty moving liquids or solids from the mouth to the stomach. It is crucial for patients with swallowing difficulties to be evaluated by an experienced professional, as it can cause patients to be underweight or malnourished. It is also a safety concern because it can put the individual at a greater risk of choking or breathing obstructions.
SFENTA’s highly trained physicians have been caring for patients in the South Florida area for over 30 years. We are proud to bring you the best care for ENT conditions.
Our office provides each patient with:
Patient-Centered Care
Your physician will take the time to understand your symptoms and offer a tailor-made treatment plan that works with your needs and lifestyle.
Continuity of Care
Our staff believes in a comprehensive care approach, which means working together until you have achieved lasting relief.
A Network of Highly Trained Physicians
We’ve created one of the largest networks of ENT providers, ensuring we’re able to care for the full spectrum of ENT specialties and subspecialties.
The Security of a Community Staple
After spending over 30 years in the South Florida community, you can trust you’re in good hands with SFENTA.
Most people experience trouble swallowing once or twice. However, if problems with swallowing become frequent, it can be a sign of a severe underlying condition that needs to be addressed.
Yes. There are several treatments available for swallowing difficulties, including swallowing therapy, surgery, medication, and dilation.
