The process of swallowing food and beverages requires coordination of muscles and mechanisms. The tongue pushes substances out of the mouth and down into the throat or esophagus. The muscles surrounding the esophagus perform a wave-like motion referred to as peristalsis, contracting and relaxing, to propel substances down through the tube into the stomach. When the esophagus muscles do not work as designed, it can cause problems with swallowing. This type of disorder is called esophageal dysmotility, a stomach & esophageal condition Danny Shouhed, M.D. can treat at our clinic in Los Angeles.
There are a variety of issues that can interrupt the swallowing process in the esophagus. With this disorder, food and liquids do not move smoothly from the mouth to the stomach through the esophagus. Structural abnormalities like tumors, infections, inflammation or ulcers can cause esophageal dysmotility. Neurological or muscle disorders can also affect the swallowing process.
Esophageal dysmotility treatment depends on what is causing the swallowing dysfunction. A thorough diagnosis is needed to determine the cause, which may require an endoscopy, ultrasound, barium swallow study and other procedures. Esophageal dysmotility treatment can include injection therapy (Botox®), medications, balloon dilation of the esophagus or surgical intervention with Heller myotomy.
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Dr. Shouhed is a board-certified general surgeon who specializes in gastrointestinal disorders. His expertise in treating complex stomach and esophagus disorders ensures his patients receive an accurate diagnosis and the most advanced treatment for their condition.
If you have symptoms of esophagus dysmotility, contact us at our office in Los Angeles to schedule an exam and consultation with Dr. Shouhed. We offer an accurate diagnosis and esophagus dysmotility treatment to provide relief from this swallowing disorder.
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