What Is Dysphagia?
Dysphagia is the impairment of swallowing. Eating or drinking can be extremely hard or even painful. You may think that food gets to be stuck in your throat or chest. In extreme cases it can give rise to a choking or pneumonia.
Common Causes and Risk Factors
- Acid reflux (GERD)
- High neurological incidents such as stroke or Parkinson.
- Muscle disorders including scleroderma.
- constrictions of the food pipe.
- Surgery or radiation done on the head, neck or the chest.
- Aging which is capable of weakening the muscles of swallowing.
Signs and Symptoms
- Stopping breathing, either during eating or drinking.
- Sensations of difficulty in the throat or the chest.
- Problems with swallowing (pain or discomfort).
- Unintentional weight loss
- Gastroesophageal reflux or esophageal regurgitation.
- Frequent cases of lung infections (aspiration pneumonia)
How Dr. Rishi Diagnoses Dysphagia?
Dr. Rishi Chadha uses a step-by-step approach:
Medical History
He discusses you with difficulty in swallowing, eating, past surgeries, medications, and other health related problems.
Physical Exam
He examines your neck, throat and muscle movements to determine the presence of obstruction or weakness.
Diagnostic Tests
- Barium swallow X-ray: You are provided with a contrast beverage that you are required to consume so that we can observe how food and liquid move across your esophagus.
- Upper endoscopy (EGD): A microscope that is thin and flexible is penetrated through your throat into the esophagus to investigate it against inflammation or constriction.
- Esophageal manometry: It is a kind of pressure test and is used to measure the strength and coordination of your esophageal muscles.
Advanced Evaluation (if needed)
Additional research such as a pH test to identify reflux or CT tests to rule out structural etiology.
Frequently Asked Questions
ICD-10 code of dysphagia?
The main ICD-10 code of dysphagia is 13 R and subcodes like R13.1 dysphagia of the oropharynx are in use.
Why is the ICD-10 code important?
The right code implies that correct planning of treatment is identified, as well as insurance coverage is made easier.
What are the four steps involved in swallowing?
They are: 1) oral preparation, 2) oral delivery, 3) pharyngeal and 4) esophageal.
Is dysphagia dangerous?
Yes. This may be due to the dysphagia that is not treated leading to the weight loss, malnutrition, dehydration, or aspiration pneumonia.
Exercising the swallow to the rescue?
Absolutely. An SLP will be in a position to demonstrate exercises, postures and methods of safe swallowing.
What are the examinations to diagnose dysphagia?
Abnormal examinations include barium swallow x-ray, upper endoscopy (EGD) and manometry of the esophagus.
Can dysphagia be cured?
Many patients will respond well to the diet changes, medications, dilation or even simple procedures. It has some circumstances that require long-term management.
How long does treatment take?
Treatment time varies. Cases involving light are handled within weeks, problems that are more complex are sorted out in a matter of months.
Is dysphagia covered by insurance?
Yes. Evaluation and treatment under an easy diagnosis like R13 is normally included in most plans.
When should a doctor be contacted in case of swallowing difficulties?
See a physician when swallowing is difficult, when there is food stuck in the mouth, when you are always choking, and when you suddenly lose weight.