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Swallowing disorders. Diagnosis and therapy
1Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland.
The Medical Clinics of North America
|May 1, 1993
Summary
Dysphagia, or difficulty swallowing, requires thorough evaluation and a multidisciplinary approach. While often not curable, patients can improve with coordinated care from specialists like otolaryngologists.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Gastroenterology
- Otolaryngology
Background:
- Normal swallowing is a complex neuromuscular process.
- Dysfunctional swallowing (dysphagia) has diverse causes.
- Effective management requires a comprehensive approach.
Purpose of the Study:
- To outline the diagnostic workup for dysphagia.
- To highlight the role of a multidisciplinary team in managing swallowing disorders.
- To define the otolaryngologist-head and neck surgeon's contribution to dysphagia care.
Main Methods:
- Detailed patient history and physical examination of the head and neck.
- Videofluoroscopic swallowing studies (VFSS).
- Manometry and endoscopy under anesthesia for select cases.
Main Results:
- Dysphagia evaluation involves multiple diagnostic modalities.
- Multidisciplinary team efforts lead to patient improvement.
- Surgical intervention is beneficial for specific conditions like cricopharyngeal dysfunction.
Conclusions:
- Dysphagia management is complex and requires a systematic workup.
- While not always reversible, dysphagia can be improved with integrated care.
- Otolaryngologists are crucial for diagnosing and surgically treating certain swallowing impairments.