Dysphagia (Swallowing Difficulties): Causes, Assessment, and Treatment
A Hampshire ENT Clinics patient guide
Difficulty swallowing, known as dysphagia, is a common but important symptom that should never be ignored. It may feel like food is sticking, liquids are hard to swallow, or swallowing has become uncomfortable or painful.
At Hampshire ENT Clinics, we provide prompt, consultant-led assessment of swallowing problems to identify the cause and guide safe, effective treatment.
What Is Dysphagia?
Dysphagia refers to difficulty or discomfort when swallowing. It can affect:
Solids (food sticking)
Liquids (coughing or choking)
Both solids and liquids
It may be intermittent or progressive and can arise from the throat (oropharynx) or food pipe (oesophagus).
Common Causes of Swallowing Problems
1. Throat (Oropharyngeal) Causes
Muscle coordination problems
Nerve disorders
Post-stroke swallowing difficulty
Structural narrowing or inflammation
2. Oesophageal Causes
Acid reflux–related inflammation or stricture
Oesophageal spasm or motility disorders
Benign narrowing (webs or rings)
Oesophageal cancer (important to exclude)
3. Other Contributing Factors
Globus sensation (lump-in-the-throat feeling without true obstruction)
Post-nasal drip or chronic throat irritation
Anxiety-related muscle tension
Symptoms That Require Urgent ENT Review
You should seek prompt specialist assessment if you have:
Food sticking in the throat or chest
Progressive difficulty swallowing
Pain on swallowing
Unexplained weight loss
Coughing or choking when eating or drinking
Recurrent chest infections
Voice changes or persistent hoarseness
How Are Swallowing Problems Assessed?
Assessment at Hampshire ENT Clinics may include:
Detailed history and examination
Flexible nasendoscopy to assess the throat and voice box
Barium swallow or videofluoroscopy
Oesophagoscopy or referral for gastroscopy if required
Collaboration with speech and language therapists when appropriate
This ensures both safety and diagnostic accuracy.
Treatment Options
Treatment depends on the underlying cause and may include:
Reflux management (dietary advice ± medication)
Swallowing therapy and exercises
Treatment of nasal or throat inflammation
Endoscopic dilation of strictures
Surgical or oncological referral if required
Early diagnosis improves outcomes and reduces complications.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is dysphagia serious?
It can be. While some causes are benign, dysphagia can signal significant underlying disease and should always be assessed.
What’s the difference between globus and dysphagia?
Globus is a sensation of a lump in the throat without true difficulty swallowing. Dysphagia involves real difficulty or pain when swallowing.
Is difficulty swallowing solids more concerning than liquids?
Progressive difficulty with solids can suggest structural narrowing and should be investigated. Difficulty with both solids and liquids may indicate muscle or nerve issues.
Can reflux cause swallowing problems?
Yes. Chronic reflux can inflame or narrow the oesophagus, leading to dysphagia.
Do I need urgent tests?
Urgency depends on symptoms. Red flags such as weight loss, pain, or progressive worsening require prompt investigation.
Will I need scans or endoscopy?
Many patients do. The choice depends on whether the problem appears to be in the throat or oesophagus.
Can swallowing problems be treated?
Yes. Most causes of dysphagia can be improved with appropriate treatment once the cause is identified.
Where can I be assessed?
Assessment is available at Hampshire ENT Clinics, with consultant-led care across Portsmouth, Winchester, Salisbury, and the wider Hampshire region.
Expert Assessment for Swallowing Difficulties
Swallowing problems should never be ignored. Early specialist assessment can identify the cause, improve safety, and ensure the right treatment.
📞 If you are experiencing difficulty swallowing, contact Hampshire ENT Clinics to arrange an expert assessment.