Swallowing Problems & Disorders

Understanding Swallowing Problems & Disorders

Difficulty with swallowing is a complex issue. It can require collaboration among many specialists and trained therapists.

IU Health laryngologists are experts in treating swallowing problems and disorders that relate to the upper esophagus. Not every swallowing disorder can be treated with head and neck surgery. In these cases, our laryngologists will refer you to gastroenterologists or general surgeons at IU Health who can help with your problem.

Zenker’s diverticula

A Zenker’s diverticulum is an abnormal pouch that develops in the upper esophagus in your throat. When it becomes large enough, it can cause food to become trapped during swallowing. Patients with Zenker’s diverticula often have trouble swallowing food. They have the feeling that food is “stuck.” As the diverticulum enlarges, patients may also regurgitate food after swallowing.

Zenker’s diverticula treatment

Our laryngologists perform special imaging studies to confirm Zenker’s diverticula. Our specialists treat the condition with endoscopic surgery.

Cricopharyngeal dysfunction

The cricopharyngeus is a circular muscle in the neck. It relaxes when food is swallowed to allow food and liquid into the esophagus. It contracts to prevent the reflux of contents from the esophagus and stomach. For a variety of reasons (often related to acid reflux) this muscle becomes enlarged and tight. When you have this condition, you may feel like there is a “lump in your throat.”

Cricopharyngeal dysfunction treatment

There are a number of treatments for this condition. These include:

• medications to reduce acid reflux and relax the muscle.
• injections of medications to relax the muscle.
• in some cases, minimally invasive procedures to relax the muscle, which can provide permanent relief.

Upper esophageal narrowing

Loss of pleasure in eating and weight loss are two symptoms associated with a narrowing of the esophagus.

When the narrowing occurs, food and liquid have a hard time traveling to the stomach. If you feel this way, you may become quite bothered by it, especially when eating solid food. Our specialists deal primarily with upper esophageal narrowing.

Upper esophageal narrowing treatment

Working with a swallowing therapist is the first step in managing upper esophageal narrowing disorders. Changes in diet and special techniques that promote swallowing are also helpful. If symptoms don’t improve, the narrowing can also be treated with minimally invasive dilation techniques. This can provide immediate relief.

Other swallowing disorders we treat include:

• Laryngopharyngeal reflux
• Swallowing difficulty related to neurological conditions
• Swallowing difficulty related to vocal cord paralysis

Why Choose IU Health?

Our laryngologists are leaders in evaluating and treating issues and conditions that affect the voice, breathing and swallowing. At our Carmel and Indianapolis locations, you’ll have access to the following:

• Board certified, fellowship-trained laryngologists (experts in injuries and illnesses of the larynx). They are sub-specialists within the field of head and neck surgery. They focus on the expert evaluation of throat and neck disorders.
• Speech language pathologists specially trained in the latest therapy techniques.

Our experts are leaders in the field:

• We perform more laryngeal and vocal cord surgeries than any other center in the state.
• Our physicians are engaged in clinical research. This includes studies funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), to investigate and develop better treatments for patients.
• We partner with other IU Health specialists, including colleagues at the IU Health Simon Cancer Center and the IU Health Schwarz Cancer Center, to provide the latest treatment for patients.
• We offer vocal rehabilitation, therapy and treatment for people who use their voices professionally. This includes singers, performers, teachers, lawyers, those in the ministry and other professional speakers.