Treating Dysphagia
Treating Dysphagia
A medical evaluation helps your healthcare provider find the cause of your trouble swallowing, or dysphagia. Your evaluation may include a medical history and some special tests. Your provider will make a treatment plan based on the results of your evaluation. You may need to take medicines. In some cases, your provider may suggest a procedure to stretch or widen your esophagus (esophageal dilation). Or your provider may suggest surgery.
What you can do
To help control dysphagia, follow your treatment plan. Take all medicines as directed. You also can help lessen your dysphagia symptoms by being careful about what and how you eat.
Medicines
You may need medicines, such as those that:
Reduce or neutralize stomach acids
Control esophagus muscle spasms
Treat an allergic disorder of the esophagus that is causing the problem
Are injected into the esophagus to help symptoms
Esophageal dilation
Dilation is a procedure that your provider can use to widen your esophagus. It is most often done when a narrowing (stricture) of the esophagus is causing the problem. There are many ways your provider can widen your esophagus. He or she can discuss them with you.
Eating tips
Eat slowly in a relaxed setting.
Don’t talk while you eat.
Take small bites and chew slowly and thoroughly
Sit in an upright position during and after meals.
Ask your provider about any special diets that may help, such as liquid diets.
If you have trouble swallowing solid foods, you can use a blender to mash or purée them.
Thicken liquids with milk, juice, broth, gravy, or starch to make swallowing easier.
Occupational or speech therapy
Your healthcare provider may recommend that you have an evaluation or sessions with a speech or occupational therapist. These specialists in dysphagia may give you exercises and instructions to help you eat safely.
Updated:  
December 17, 2017
Sources:  
The role of endoscopy in the evaluation and management of dysphagia. ASGE., ACR Appropriateness Criteria: Dysphagia. American College of Radiology.
Reviewed By:  
Fraser, Marianne, MSN, RN Lehrer, Jenifer, MD,Image reviewed by StayWell art team.,Lehrer, Jenifer, MD