Dysphagia

Definition

Dysphagia is the medical term for difficulty swallowing. It can result from various neurological or muscular conditions affecting the esophagus.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Dysphagia is a common symptom in patients with Myasthenia Gravis due to muscle weakness.
2. In Multiple Sclerosis, dysphagia can occur because of demyelination affecting the nerves responsible for swallowing.
3. Patients with dysphagia are at an increased risk of aspiration pneumonia due to food or liquid entering the lungs.
4. Pharmacological treatments for underlying conditions, like anticholinesterase drugs in Myasthenia Gravis, can help manage dysphagia symptoms.
5. Dysphagia assessment often involves a barium swallow study or endoscopy to identify the cause and severity.

Review Questions

• Why is dysphagia a concern in patients with Myasthenia Gravis?
• How does Multiple Sclerosis contribute to the development of dysphagia?
• What diagnostic tests are commonly used to assess dysphagia?

Related terms

Myasthenia Gravis:

An autoimmune neuromuscular disorder characterized by muscle weakness.

Multiple Sclerosis:

A chronic illness involving progressive damage to the nerves in the central nervous system.

Aspiration Pneumonia: A lung infection caused by inhaling food, liquid, or vomit into the lungs.