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OESOPHAGEAL CONDITIONS

Living with Dysphagia 

Dysphagia can make it difficult to stay adequately nourished or hydrated and may also signal a more serious underlying condition, such as GORD or Barrett’s oesophagus. 

Lifestyle Changes

Lifestyle changes are often prescribed for a diagnosis of dysphagia caused by gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) because they can reduce GORD symptoms, and also help make eating and swallowing more comfortable.

For dysphagia caused by gastroesophageal reflux disease (GORD) or Barrett’s oesophagus, treatment tends to focus on bringing your GORD symptoms under control while managing your dysphagia symptoms.

Recommended lifestyle changes for dysphagia may include:

  • Eliminating alcohol and nicotine
  • Eating frequent, smaller meals
  • Following a soft food or liquid diet
  • Avoiding sticky foods like jam or peanut butter
  • Cutting foods into smaller pieces
Treatment options

Follow these steps to start your journey to treatment

 

 

STEP 01

Take the symptom quiz

Answer some simple questions about your experience living with dysphagia.

STEP 02

Discuss with your GP

Take these results to your next appointment and discuss management options. 

STEP 03

Find a specialist

If your GP recommends further treatment, find a suitable specialist near you.

Take the Symptom Quiz

 

Start the conversation by taking the interactive dysphagia symptom quiz. You be able to download your results at the end to help start your treatment journey. 

Medtronic

Dysphagia symptom questionnaire

Your questionnaire results

This tool is not meant to diagnose or eliminate a diagnosis for any disease or condition. The list of symptoms and risk factors is not exhaustive. Talk to your doctor for further information.


    For more information visit Medtronic.com.au/dysphagia

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    Question 1 of 8

    Do you often experience acid reflux or ‘heartburn’?

    Question 2 of 8

    Do you face difficulty when swallowing?

    Question 3 of 8

    Does swallowing liquids or food cause you pain?

    Question 4 of 8

    Do you often cough or choke whilst eating?

    Question 5 of 8

    Does food stick in your throat when swallowing?

    Question 6 of 8

    Does food or liquid enter your nose or windpipe when attempting to swallow?

    Question 7 of 8

    Have you had a sudden or gradual change in eating and drinking habits?

    Question 8 of 8

    Has the discomfort of swallowing food caused you to lose weight?

    References

    1.Cho S, Choung R, Talley N, et al. Prevalence and risk factors for dysphagia: a USA community study. Neurogastroenterology And Motility: The Official Journal Of The European Gastrointestinal Motility Society. February 2015;27(2):212-219

    2.Bollschweiler E, Knoppe K, Wolfgarten E, Hölscher AH. Prevalence of dysphagia in patients with gastroesophageal reflux in Germany. Dysphagia. 2008;23(2):172-176. doi:10.1007/s00455-007-9120-5

    Treatment options

    Discuss with your GP

    Dysphagia can be a concerning condition, but it doesn’t have to be chronic. If you’re having trouble swallowing, see your doctor as soon as possible to discuss management options.

    1 Nazarko L. The clinical management of dysphagia in primary care. British Journal of Community Nursing. 2008;13(6):258-264.