Esophageal Dysphagia in Adults: When It Sticks

Abstract

Esophageal dysphagia is a common yet difficult to diagnose condition. This article underscores the role of detailed patient history and physical examinations, including prompt endoscopic evaluation, for accurate differentiation between esophageal and oropharyngeal dysphagia. The authors discuss the heightened importance of early intervention in certain patient groups, such as elderly individuals and patients with head and neck cancer, to mitigate the risk of malnutrition and infection. The authors delve into etiologic factors highlighting the complexity of clinical presentations and the significance of tailored management strategies.

Keywords: Adult dysphagia; Esophageal dysphagia; Swallowing difficulty.