Esophageal Dysphagia is a swallowing disorder affecting the transport of food or liquids through the esophagus due to structural blockages or motility dysfunction. Patients typically report a sensation that swallowed food “gets stuck” in the lower throat or chest a few seconds after swallowing. Common causes include structural lesions (e.g., peptic strictures, Schatzki ring, tumors) or motility disorders (e.g., achalasia or diffuse esophageal spasm). This contrasts with oropharyngeal dysphagia, which presents with immediate choking or coughing; in esophageal dysphagia, the swallowing initiation is normal, but bolus transit to the stomach is impaired.
While SLPs primarily manage oropharyngeal dysphagia, they play a role in identifying signs of esophageal dysphagia and referring patients for appropriate medical evaluation. Understanding esophageal function is essential for comprehensive dysphagia management and ensuring coordinated care with gastroenterologists.
Wilkinson, John M., Don Chamil Codipilly, and Robert P. Wilfahrt. "Dysphagia: Evaluation and Collaborative Management." American Family Physician 103, no. 2 (2021).
