Nerve or brain damage, such as damage to a nerve called the vagus nerve, may also cause this problem. Autoimmune disorders occur when a person's immune system attacks his or her own body. This may occur after a stroke or in degenerative nerve disorders such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis , also called Lou Gehrig's disease. Other causes are also possible. Sometimes, no cause can be found.
Prevention is related to the cause.
For example, early treatment of gastroesophageal reflux and goiter can prevent these conditions from causing trouble with swallowing. Some cases of esophageal cancer could be prevented by not drinking alcohol or smoking cigarettes . Many cases cannot be prevented. Diagnosis begins with a history and physical exam. Sometimes, this is all that is needed to make the diagnosis.