Dysphagia is the medical term for difficulty swallowing. It may affect solids, liquids, or both, and is often described as a sensation of food getting stuck in the throat or chest.
While occasional swallowing difficulty can happen, persistent or progressive dysphagia should always be investigated, as it may indicate an underlying oesophageal condition.
Common symptoms include:
In some cases, dysphagia may also be associated with:
Dysphagia can result from several conditions affecting the oesophagus.
These may indicate a more serious underlying condition.
The primary investigation is an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, which allows direct visualisation of the oesophagus and stomach.
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Additional tests may include:
If you are experiencing ongoing or worsening difficulty swallowing, it is important to seek specialist assessment.
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Early diagnosis allows for:
Dysphagia is often linked to underlying oesophageal conditions. You may also find it helpful to read:
If you are experiencing difficulty swallowing or related symptoms, you can book a consultation with Mr Ash Rohatgi, Consultant Upper GI Surgeon in London.
Appointments are available via online booking or by phone.
For further details, please see the fees and services page.
