posted: Dec. 14, 2023.
What Causes Trouble Swallowing?
If you are having difficulty swallowing, or it’s painful to swallow, you might be wondering what is causing it. Several factors can cause swallowing problems, and your gastroenterologist can help. Dr. Mukhtar Anees at Southwest Gastroenterology Clinic in Burleson, TX, offers comprehensive gastroenterology services, including diagnosis and treatment of swallowing difficulties associated with GERD and other conditions.
Swallowing difficulties can occur from a sore throat due to a virus or bacterial infection. If your swallowing problem doesn’t go away, you could have a more serious issue, like acid reflux or GERD, which can cause esophageal inflammation and damage.
If you have acid reflux or GERD, it means the sphincter muscle separating your stomach from your esophagus is not working properly. When this happens, stomach acid flows from your stomach, back up into the esophagus. In addition to difficulty swallowing, you may experience a burning sensation in your throat. Other signs and symptoms of acid reflux and GERD include:
If you are suffering from occasional swallowing difficulty, you can try:
For more frequent, more severe swallowing difficulties, you need to visit your gastroenterologist. Your gastroenterologist will typically diagnose the cause of your swallowing difficulties with an endoscopy. Using a thin, flexible tube, known as an endoscope, your gastroenterologist can view your esophagus, checking for blockages, growths, and abnormal tissue. If growths or blockages are found, they can be removed. A sample of tissue may also be taken for biopsy.
Depending on the cause and severity of your swallowing difficulties, your gastroenterologist may recommend:
To find out more about what might be causing your swallowing difficulties, call Dr. Anees at Southwest Gastroenterology Clinic in Burleson, TX. You can reach him in the office by calling (817) 293-9292, so call today.
Monday:
8:00 AM-4:00 PM
Tuesday:
8:00 AM-4:00 PM
Wednesday:
8:00 AM-4:00 PM
Thursday:
8:00 AM-4:00 PM
Friday:
8:00 AM-4:00 PM
Saturday:
Closed
Sunday:
Closed