Symptoms of Dysphagia

Dysphagia is a condition that occurs when one has difficulty swallowing. This condition can be painful, as it results in a struggle to move food or liquid from the mouth to the stomach. In severe cases, it can even make swallowing impossible.

Difficulty swallowing that occurs when you consume food or drinks too fast or do not chew your food well enough may occasionally happen and this is generally not a cause for concern. However, when dysphagia persistently occurs, it can result in serious symptoms that require treatment.

Dysphagia can happen at any age; however, it is generally more common in older people. The causes of dysphagia can vary and the type of treatment is dependent on what has caused the condition.

Signs and Symptoms of Dysphagia

There are a variety of signs and symptoms of dysphagia, including:

• Chest pressure or pain when swallowing
• Choking or coughing when swallowing
• Vomiting after eating or drinking
• Persistent heartburn
• Fatigue
• Unexplained weight loss

For infants and children who have dysphagia, they may experience the following symptoms:

• Trouble being able to breastfeed
• Food or liquid leakage from the mouth
• Repetitive swallowing 
• Coughing or gagging during feeding or eating
• Inability to coordinate breathing while eating or drinking
• Repeated respiratory infections

When to See a Gastroenterologist in Thousand Oaks

If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms frequently, it is important to schedule an appointment with a gastroenterologist as soon as possible. At the Gastroenterology Center of Thousand Oaks, our team specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of dysphagia. Contact our team to schedule an appointment with the top Thousand Oaks gastroenterologist.