Dysphagia in Denver, CO
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Find a ProviderWhat is dysphagia?
Dysphagia is described as the difficulty or inability to eat or drink. There may be a variety of reasons why a patient may have dysphagia. It could be because of muscle spasms in the throat or esophagus because they didn’t chew their food thoroughly or it could be the result of other internal complications. Dysphagia can also refer to the sensation of food being trapped in the food pipe. In the event you experience such symptoms and need treatment for dysphagia in Denver, CO, help is available. Reach out to our skilled gastrointestinal physicians at Denver Digestive Health Specialists at your earliest convenience to request a consultation so we can help you get back to a better life.
What causes dysphagia?
There are two types of dysphagia and the causes are unique for both types.
- Oropharyngeal dysphagia: The condition known as oropharyngeal dysphagia involves trouble when starting a swallow. This form of dysphagia is typically the cause of a neuromuscular concern. This is a result of the fact that the muscles of the mouth, the rear of the throat, and the top portion of the esophagus directly connect with the brain. Nerves in these locations are not immune to damage, which can result in issues with swallowing. In some instances, narrowed areas in the esophagus (strictures) or tumors growing in the back portion of the throat can lead to trouble with swallowing.
- Esophageal dysphagia: The condition known as esophageal dysphagia has a variety of causes, some of the most common being:
- Esophageal muscle weakness
- Spasms in the esophagus
- Inflammation in the esophagus from acid reflux
- Esophageal scarring from acid reflux (GERD)
- Esophageal blockage due to a foreign body
- Achalasia (the condition wherein the lower esophageal sphincter can’t relax while swallowing because of a problem with nerve control)
- Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE)
What are the symptoms of dysphagia?
The most common signs and symptoms of dysphagia include (but are not limited to):
- Acid reflux
- Coughing or gagging when swallowing
- Chest pain
- Pain while swallowing
- The sensation of food being stuck in one's throat or chest
- Regurgitation
- Lack of ability to swallow
- Food impaction (food getting stuck)
- Unwanted weight loss
- Liquid or food regurgitates through the nose
- Loss of voice
- Aspiration pneumonia
- Drooling
If you experience any of the symptoms of dysphagia or difficulty swallowing, our gastroenterologists at your nearest Denver, CO location can help.
What are the treatments for dysphagia?
At Denver Digestive Health Specialists, we provide several treatment options to help meet your individual needs. Common dysphagia treatments are:
- Implementing exercises to re-stimulate the nerves that trigger the swallowing reflex
- Practicing different techniques for swallowing
- Surgery
- Esophageal dilation
- Medications for reduction of acid reflux, corticosteroids, or muscle relaxants
- Special liquid diet or feeding tube (for extreme cases)
Help your swallowing difficulties subside
If you or a member of your family are facing the symptoms of dysphagia in Denver, CO, help is available. Request a consultation with a gastrointestinal specialist at Denver Digestive Health Specialists immediately if you are experiencing any combination of the listed symptoms consistently. It is important to meet with a GI provider near you without delay if weight loss or vomiting is present along with your trouble swallowing.
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Dr Polson and her team are outstanding. Highly recommend.
Great GI! knows exactly how to treat a patient. I’ve been in remission for over two years and enjoying life back thanks to Dr.Stephen! His staff members are caring and provide excellent service. Highly recommend him to anyone looking for a GI!
This was not a usual Doctor visit: 1. My wait time was less than 5 minutes from check-in to being seen. 2. Dr Siegel personally came for me from the waiting room. 3. Dr. Siegel took me to his office where we discussed some health related issues and the upcoming procedure, not to a windowless room where I would sit and wait and wait. 4. Dr. Siegel escorted me to the exam room where he did a brief examination. The examination was not uncomfortable as they usually are for me because we had a detailed conversation in his office and I was prepared. 5. This appointment was by far the smoothest I've ever had for a Doctor visit. It was personalized by Dr Siegel from beginning to end.
I have trusted Dr Siegel with my care for 10 years now. I have a few complications and has kept me feeling great. His demeanor is second to none.
Dr. Fishman is the only that I have been to who comes to the waiting room to bring you back to his office. He listens carefully to the answers to his questions. The discussions take on the style of conversation between two friends. My GI problems began in the mid-90’s. I had been to a number of doctors who could not help. When I first saw Dr. Fishman, in 2010, I had lost over 20 pounds. After the first examination he laid out a course of action and he assured my wife that while it would take some time, he would get on top of the problem. And he did. While I occasionally have a flare up, those episodes are few and far between and not nearly as severe as I had suffered before. I would absolutely recommend Dr. Fishman to anyone with GI problems.
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