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Dysphagia (Difficulty Swallowing)

Gastroenterology in Irvine, Santa Ana and Anaheim, CA

Dysphagia (Difficulty Swallowing) services offered in Irvine, Santa Ana and Anaheim, CA


Dysphagia is the term used to describe difficulty swallowing. It is a common condition that can affect people of all ages and can occur due to various reasons such as neurological disorders, injury to the head or neck, structural abnormalities in the throat or esophagus, and some diseases such as Parkinson's disease or stroke.

Dysphagia (Difficulty Swallowing) Q&A

Diagnosis of Nausea: 

  1. Physical examination: A doctor may perform a physical examination to look for signs of infection, inflammation, or injury that could be causing the vomiting.
  2. Medical history: A doctor will ask questions about the patient's medical history, including any previous illnesses, medications, and symptoms that may be related to the vomiting.
  3. Blood tests: Blood tests can check for signs of infections, inflammation, and other medical conditions that could be causing the vomiting.
  4. Imaging tests: Imaging tests such as X-rays, CT scans, and MRI scans can help identify any structural problems in the abdomen or brain that could be causing the vomiting.
  5. Endoscopy: An endoscopy is a procedure in which a doctor inserts a long, flexible tube with a camera into the patient's mouth to look for any problems in the digestive system.
  6. Stool sample analysis: A stool sample can be tested to look for signs of infection, such as bacteria or viruses.
  7. Motion sickness testing: If the vomiting is suspected to be related to motion sickness, a doctor may perform special tests to confirm the diagnosis.

The specific diagnostic tests used will depend on the individual case and the suspected cause of the vomiting. A doctor may use one or multiple tests to diagnose the cause of vomiting.

 

Treatment of Nausea and Vomiting:

 

Treatment  depends on the underlying cause. Some common treatments include:

  1. Medications: Antiemetics such as promethazine, ondansetron, and metoclopramide can be used to relieve symptoms.
  2. Dietary changes: Avoiding certain foods, eating smaller meals, and drinking clear fluids can help.
  3. Ginger: Ginger has been shown to be effective in reducing nausea and vomiting, especially during pregnancy.
  4. Acupuncture and Acupressure: These alternative therapies can help relieve symptoms in some people.
  5. Relaxation techniques: Deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, and guided imagery can help relieve stress and decrease feelings of nausea.
  6. Surgery: In severe cases, surgery or endoscopic procedures may be needed to correct an underlying condition that is causing the symptoms.

It is important to consult a healthcare provider to determine the underlying cause of nausea and vomiting and the best course of treatment.