Medical management of disorders of swallowing

Disorders of swallowing in a given patient can result from abnormalities of dentition, the oral cavity (mouth and pharynx), the cricopharyngeal muscle, esophageal skeletal (proximal) or smooth (distal) muscle, the lower esophageal sphincter, and the stomach. Recent advances include refinements in esophageal manometric techniques with reclassification of motility disorders; newer drugs to treat gastroesophageal reflux; recognition of more frequent infections of the esophagus in immunosuppressed patients; and adaptation of the use of medications such as nitrates and calcium-channel blockers, which were previously primarily cardiotonic, for investigative treatment of esophageal motility abnormalities.