Dysphagia Flashcards
1
Q
What is dysphagia?
A
Struggling to swallow
2
Q
What are the neuromuscular causes of dysphagia?
A
- Muscular dystrophy
- Myasthenia Gravis
- Stroke
- Parkinsons
- MS
3
Q
What can cause narrowing of throat/oesophagus?
A
o Throat cancer, oesophageal cancer
o Sacs/rings in the oesophagus
o GORD
4
Q
What is achalasia?
A
LES fails to open up during swallowing leading to a backup of food within your oesophagus
5
Q
What investigations would you do for dysphagia?
A
- Upper GI endoscopy (OGD/gastroscopy) with biopsy if needed
- FBC
- U+Es
- LFTs
- Barium swallow
- CT scan
6
Q
What red flag symptoms would you ask for?
A
o Weight loss o Vomiting o Bleeding o Changes in bowel habit (melaena) o Pain o Anaemia symptoms
