Why Someone May Develop Dysphagia
When you have difficulty swallowing either foods or liquids, dysphagia is the general term used to describe the condition. Swallowing is a process that's deceptively complicated, involving different physical functions as well as neural control. Hence, there are different reasons why someone may develop dysphagia, but if your diagnosis determines that the problem is related to the physical mechanisms then your Ventura and Oxnard, CA, gastroenterologist may be able to help. You can learn more about dysphagia and your treatment options by reaching out to your local experts at Island View Gastroenterology Associates.
Esophageal Dysphagia
Your gastroenterologist can help you diagnose the cause of your dysphagia, as there are many factors to consider.
If the underlying issue is related to a physical obstruction or motility disorder, that is, something related to your GI tract muscles, then the condition is called esophageal dysphagia.
Esophageal Strictures
A stricture refers to an abnormal narrowing or tightening of the esophagus, and these can be caused by underlying problems like GERD, a benign or cancerous growth, and other GI issues.
Your doctor can perform different tests to diagnose the condition and can typically treat it with minimally invasive surgery and endoscopic procedures.
The most common tests to diagnose strictures include barium swallow, upper endoscopy, and esophageal manometry.
Dysphagia Treatment in Ventura and Oxnard, CA
Your doctor can prescribe medication to reduce acid production and relax your esophageal muscles, and antibiotics for esophageal infections.
Esophageal dilation is the most common treatment for strictures, the goal is to stretch the narrowed areas in your esophagus that impede swallowing. For the treatment, an endoscopy is performed using a dilator, a weighted cone-shaped tube that is passed in sequentially increasing sizes to expand the affected area of the esophagus.
If you're struggling with dysphagia symptoms you can schedule a consultation with your Ventura and Oxnard, CA, professionals at Island View Gastroenterology Associates by dialing (805) 641-6525 to reach the Ventura, CA, office and (805) 973-1227 for Oxnard, CA.