Swallowing

Question 1

Conditions with difficulty swallowing

Answer 1

1. Achalasia (liquids and solids)
2. Oesophageal tumour: get progressively worse + weight loss
3. GORD: comes with heartburn
4. Lymphoma (hurts when drinking alcohol)
5. Epiglottitis (EMERGENCY: sore throat, fever, difficulty breathing, common in children, Haemophilius influenza type B (anti vacs patient)
   Neuro:
6. MS
7. Muscular dystrophy
8. Parkinson’s disease
9. Stroke
   Pharynx
10. Pharyngoesophageal diverticulum (pouch that collects food; comes with halitosis (sticky breath))

Question 2

Associated symptoms with difficulty swallowing

Answer 2

1. Neck swelling
2. Abdominal pain
3. Vomiting
4. Haematemesis
5. Change in bowel habit (bowel cancer)
6. Coughing/ aspiration

Question 3

Questions for difficulty swallowing

Answer 3

1. Severity: what can you eat
2. Patients oral/ nutritional intake
3. Similar episodes

Question 4

Systemic symptoms for difficulty swallowing

Answer 4

1. Weight loss
2. Appetite
3. Rigors
4. Fevers
5. Night sweats