dysphagia

dysphagia /disfā″jē·ə/ [Gk, dys, difficult + phagia, to swallow] , difficulty in swallowing, commonly associated with obstructive or motor disorders of the oropharynx, hypopharynx, or esophagus. Patients with obstructive disorders, such as esophageal tumor or lower esophageal ring, are unable to swallow solids but can tolerate liquids. Persons with motor disorders, such as achalasia, are unable to swallow solids or liquids. Diagnosis of the underlying condition is made through barium studies, the observed clinical signs, and evaluation of the patient’s symptoms. See also achalasia, aphagia, corkscrew esophagus.