What is dysphagia, and what causes it? — Expert Video

Dr. Jonathan Irish, otolaryngologist-head and neck surgeon at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre in Toronto, explains that dysphagia is the medical term for difficulty swallowing and describes the symptoms people may experience, including pain when swallowing, coughing, choking, heartburn, or the sensation that food or liquids are stuck or coming back up into the throat or mouth. He explains the two main types of dysphagia: oropharyngeal dysphagia, which affects the mouth and throat, and esophageal dysphagia, which affects the esophagus. He also reviews common causes of dysphagia, including stroke, neurological diseases, gastroesophageal reflux, inflammatory conditions, medications, head and neck cancer, and side effects from cancer radiation treatment.

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Introduction to Dysphagia — Animation

Introduction to Dysphagia — Slide Show

Expert Videos

1. What is dysphagia, and what causes it?

2. How do we swallow?

3. What are the signs and symptoms of dysphagia?

4. What are some common problems that may develop because of dysphagia?

5. How is dysphagia diagnosed?

6. How is dysphagia managed and treated?

This educational activity has been developed by the University Health Network Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, the University of Toronto Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, the University of Toronto Department of Speech-Language Pathology, the Swallowing Lab, and Mechanisms in Medicine Inc.

All content is developed independently by the University Health Network Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, the University of Toronto Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, the University of Toronto Department of Speech-Language Pathology, the Swallowing Lab, and Mechanisms in Medicine Inc., with the assistance of an Expert Faculty group; funders are allowed no influence on the content of You And Dysphagia: An Animated Patient^® Guide to Dysphagia.

Disclaimer: The information provided is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your doctor about any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. The visuals provided are meant to be representations only. No specific brand is being promoted or endorsed.

This website is part of the Animated Patient^® series developed by Mechanisms in Medicine Inc., to provide highly visual formats of learning for patients to improve their understanding, make informed decisions, and partner with their healthcare professionals for optimal outcomes.