Five esteemed and experienced gastroenterology doctors see patients daily at their practice, Island View Gastroenterology Associates, serving Oxnard, CA, and Ventura, CA, for various gastrointestinal issues, including those who complain of difficulty swallowing.

Our doctors are here today to discuss swallowing issues that many patients complain about and seek help.

Dysphagia (Swallowing Difficulty)

Dysphagia is the correct word to use for difficulty swallowing. To swallow food or liquids, you must use your reflexive muscles. When these muscles don't cooperate, or there is another undiagnosed problem, you may have difficulty eating.

Island View Gastroenterology Associates in Oxnard and Ventura, CA, explain that you may experience the following symptoms:

• Something stuck in your throat
• Throat pain
• Throat spasms
• Throat tightness
• Shortness of breath. 

Dysphagia affects children and adults, and the more common causes are GERD/Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease/Acid Reflux.

Other causes can contribute to this dilemma.

• Throat and esophagus spasms
• Esophageal scar tissue is most likely due to GERD
• Dry mouth is caused by various reasons including, but not limited to, medication side effects, snoring during sleep, sleep apnea
• Food allergies
• Esophagus narrowing
• Weakness of esophagus muscles
• Cancer
• Rare tumors in the esophagus

What Can I Expect from Your Doctors?

Our doctors want to meet with you to discuss your medical history, investigate your symptoms, and determine how long they have been bothering you. We may order tests, such as an endoscopy, to determine exactly where you feel your food is getting stuck.

While under anesthesia, our doctor inserts a skinny flexible tube with a camera and light on the end through your mouth into your esophagus and stomach to get an excellent view of what is going on internally, so our doctor can accurately diagnose and initiate the right treatment plan to correct your dysphagia.

There are as many treatment options for dysphagia as there are reasons for dysphagia. Some standard treatment options could include swallowing exercises, dietary changes, medications, widening the esophagus, and surgery, depending on the problem.

The treatment of dysphagia depends on the cause, such as specific exercises if your swallowing problems stem from your throat.

Dietary changes may also be necessary. Certain medications can help those whose dysphagia is due to esophageal issues. Your doctor may also recommend a procedure to widen a narrowing or constricted esophagus. If there is a tumor or obstruction, our doctor may recommend surgery.

Call Us Today

If you suffer from swallowing problems, call any of our five esteemed and experienced GI doctors at 805-641-6525 at Island View Gastroenterology Associates, serving Oxnard, CA, and Ventura, CA. Let us diagnose the issue and find the right treatment plan to eliminate dysphagia forever.