Swallowing Disorders (Dysphagia)
Dysphagia is difficulty moving food or liquid safely from the mouth to the stomach. Coughing while eating, food sticking in the throat and recurrent chest infections are important warning signs.
Causes
- Neurological diseases such as stroke and Parkinson’s disease
- Head and neck cancer and its treatment
- Vocal fold paralysis
- Zenker’s diverticulum and cricopharyngeal dysfunction
- Reflux and age-related muscle weakness
Evaluation and Treatment
Swallowing is assessed with flexible endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES) and videofluoroscopy. Treatment includes swallowing therapy, injection laryngoplasty, cricopharyngeal myotomy or botulinum toxin, and surgery for Zenker’s diverticulum. Prof. Dr. H. Hakan Coşkun is President of the Turkish Voice, Speech and Swallowing Disorders Society.
Book an appointment
Book an appointment to have your symptoms evaluated and to plan the treatment that suits you.
The information on this page is for general purposes only; diagnosis and treatment require a physician’s examination.