Swallowing Issues

Struggling with swallowing issues (dysphagia)? Here’s what you need to know to find relief.

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What is dysphagia?

Dysphagia is difficulty swallowing, you may feel like food and/or drink is getting stuck when eating and drinking.

This can be involuntary, or it can be voluntary; for example, if you make yourself sick.

You may feel food or liquid sticking in your throat, or in your chest (oesophagus) after swallowing, causing discomfort and sometimes pain. Swallowed food or liquid may eventually go down, or can be regurgitated if they just won’t go down. You may also find yourself coughing or choking when eating and drinking.

Why does dysphagia happen?

There are several possible causes of dysphagia. Understanding yours can be the first step towards taking control of your symptoms.

  • Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GORD)

  • Hiatus hernia, when part of your stomach moves up into your chest

  • Achalasia, a blockage of the valve at the end of the food pipe

  • Pharyngeal dysfunction, a problem with the function of the muscles in your throat

  • Some neurological conditions such as Parkinson’s disease or cerebral palsy

  • Previous stroke or head/neck injury

Diagnosing dysphagia

It’s important to find out the causes of your swallowing issues.

Oesophageal manometry & Pharyngeal manometry

At the Functional Gut Clinic, we use two main tests to give you the information you need:

  • Oesophageal manometry – which measures the function of your oesophagus (food pipe)

  • Pharyngeal manometry – which measures the function of your upper oesophageal sphincter and muscles in the pharynx (throat)

Hear from people we’ve helped, just like you.

"Very professional while welcoming and friendly"

"The manner and demeanour of all staff from reception to people carrying out the test was very professional but welcoming and friendly. Atmosphere is very relaxed and all instructions clear and concise."

London Patient

"Highly recommend this"

"Thanks to Dr Hobson and everyone at the Functional Gut Clinic. The whole team is very kind and generous and they are doing things that are cutting edge and they actually get results."

Manchester Patient

"Highly recommend this"

"After stopping my lansoprazole, every time I had a warm drink, I could feel it burn all the way down to my stomach. Thank you to Sam for making me feel at ease." - Manchester Patient

"My experience could not be better"

"Pleasant and knowledgeable staff that made the experience more enjoyable than it should be!" - London Patient

"Very friendly and knowledgeable"

"An excellent service from beginning to end. I would recommend to anyone who was considering having testing done. Very friendly and knowledgeable!" - Manchester Patient

"Very kind and helpful"

"It was also great to have time to talk to the clinicians – very important when you have problems. Reception staff also very kind and helpful." - Manchester Patient

Are you experiencing any other symptoms

Symptoms are often closely connected. Find out more below.

Reflux

Burning mid-chest, worse when bending or lying down

Bloating

Feeling uncomfortably full and tight, excess belching/breaking wind, abdominal pain or gurgling

Heartburn

A burning pain in your chest, just behind your breastbone.

The pain is often worse after eating...

Constipation

Difficulty going to the toilet, unusual stools, often with stomach ache or intestinal cramps, bloating, nausea or appetite loss

Regurgitation

Bringing food or drink back up, difficulty swallowing, feeling that food or drink is stuck in your throat, horrible taste in your mouth

Diarrhoea

Loose or explosive stools, can’t get to a toilet in time

Abdominal Pain

Cramps; sharp or dull pain, Bloating, Excessive belching, Nausea or vomiting

Faecal Incontinence

Stools leak unexpectedly, Can’t get to a toilet in time

IBS

Abdominal pain or cramping, bloating, changes in bowel habits and urgency, gas

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