The moment you tell your doctor you have difficulty in swallowing, the alarm bells ring. You will be fast tracked to the specialist for investigations and adequate treatment.

Dysphagia that develops after acid reflux results from persistent assault on the esophageal lining. Inflammation and ulceration results in scarring that narrows the lumen of the esophagus.

It is a distressing condition for sufferers. It can also put the sufferer of any age at risk of mal-nutrition but especially in the elderly. Mal-nutrition weakens the body. The body becomes prone to infections, and the sufferer tires easily. They are also prone to depression. Severe dysphagia left untreated can be fatal.

Most dysphagia following acid reflux can swallow liquids but solids and semi-solids pose a problem.

Treatment is by dilatation and/or surgery. The narrowing is stretched wider by gradually larger sized bougies. This works very well but recurrence is common and repeat procedure is likely. Surgery is by fundoplication.

Dr. Phil Hariram.