The difficulty of swallowing or passing food or liquid from the mouth to the stomach, also known as Dysphagia, is very common in all age groups. Factors contributing to dysphagia are usually temporary and not life threatening. However, when the difficulty does not clear up after a short period of time, you should see an otolaryngologist. Our ENT providers will examine your mouth and throat and review the history of your symptoms which may include:

Drooling
A feeling that food or liquid is sticking in the throat
Discomfort in the throat or chest (when gastro esophageal reflux is present)
A sensation of a foreign body or ?lump? in the throat
Weight loss and inadequate nutrition due to prolonged or more significant problems with swallowing
Coughing or choking caused by bits of food, liquid, or saliva not passing easily during swallowing, and being sucked into the lungs
Voice change

Examinations may be done with the aid of mirrors or a flexible laryngoscope in office. This procedure provides visualization of the tongue, throat, and larynx. After determining the cause of your swallowing difficulties, the provider will create a treatment plan that best fits you.