Oropharyngeal dysphagia is the medical term for a sometimes painful condition in which swallowing, especially of food, is difficult. Most of the remainder are caused by structural problems in the upper airway or digestive tract.
Some prescription drugs can actually cause dysphagia, as well.
There are some medical and surgical treatments for dysphagia, but many people with this problem can learn some useful techniques for example, tilting the head into a certain position to help them swallow more comfortably and safely. A specially trained speech therapist can provide advice and training. In some people, a physician may perform cricopharyngeal dilatation. In this procedure, the upper esophagus is widened with balloons or metal instruments. One new treatment involves injection of botulinum toxin into the esophageal sphincter muscle.