Swallowing disorders, also known as dysphagia, can be caused by a variety of conditions and diseases as there are approximately 50 muscles involved in swallowing. Dysphagia falls into two categories: oropharyngeal, which can be caused by neurological disorders, cancers, or pharyngeal diverticula; and esophageal, which may cause food to feel lodged in the throat or chest and can be due to esophageal weakness, narrowing, gastroesophageal reflux disease, tumors, or nerve/muscle dysfunction. Patients experiencing frequent difficulty swallowing or breathing, gurgling noises, regurgitation, or coughing while eating should consult an otolaryngologist for more information

1. Swallowing Disorders (Dysphagia)
Part 1: Causes and Symptoms
by Dr. Stefan Kieserman

2. Swallowing disorders, medically known as dysphagia, can originate
from a wide variety of conditions and diseases. With approximately 50
muscles involved in swallowing, a multiplicity of conditions can impede
the normal process. They fall into two general categories: oropharyngeal
and esophageal. Oropharyngeal dysphagia can be traced to
neurological disorders or damage, select cancers and treatments, and
the formation of pharyngeal diverticula, which are small pouches that
can retain food particles in the throat.
Esophageal dysphagia may be indicated if a patient experiences the
sensation of food lodged in the throat or chest regions. Some of its
many causes are esophageal weakness or spasms; narrowing or
thinning of the esophagus; gastroesophageal reflux disease; tumors and
radiation treatments; and nerve or muscle dysfunction in throat.
Patients experiencing frequent difficulty swallowing or breathing, liquid
gurgling noises, regurgitation, or coughing while drinking or eating may
consult a qualified otolaryngological physician for more information.

3. About the author:
Stefan Kieserman, MD, is a Diplomate of the American Board of
Otolaryngology. His practice includes treating patients with swallowing
and speech disorders.