Dysphagia Flashcards
(19 cards)
What is the definition of dysphagia
difficulty swallowing
Why is it important to ask about the progression / intermittent of dysphagia?
Solids or liquids getting stuck
Why is it important to ask about weight loss of dysphagia
Malignancy red flag
Why is it important to ask about vomiting and haemataemesis?
Vomiting - Small bowel obstruction
Haemotaemesis - tears in the GI tract
Why is it important to ask about regurgitation
Blockage
What is dyspepsia
indigestion
Does a history of dyspepsia help in the history or dysphagia
It is less important as it does not help in determining the different types of dysphagia
Is excessive burping of clinical importance in dysphagia
No
What single investigation for dyspahgia would you chose?
OGD - endoscopy
Is Schatzki ring a cause of dysphagia
Yes
What is a schatzki ring?
a overgrowth of normal oesophageal tissue that forms a ring usually in the lower oesophagus.
Does an oesophageal diverticulum cause dysphagia
Yes
What is an oesophageal diverticulum
An outpouching of the oesophagus
Does Bulgar Palsy cause dysphagia
Yes
Why does bulgar palsy cause dysphagia
Neurological causes are fairly common. the nerves supplying the swallowing mechanisms have been affected
Does motor neurone disease cause dysphagia
Yes
Does oesophageal varices cause dysphagia
No
What is the initial treatment you would give to someone with acute dysphagia caused by a food bolus
Intra venous fluids and Nil by mouth
What initial investigation would you do for acute dysphagia caused by a food bolus
OGD
