Dysphagia may result from conditions that weaken or damage the muscles and nerves used for swallowing, such as:
- Stroke
- Parkinson’s disease
- Cerebral palsy
- Muscular dystrophy
- Multiple sclerosis
- ALS/Lou Gehrig’s disease
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Dementia
- Esophageal spasms
- Scleroderma
- Asthma
- Cancers of the head, neck and throat
- Injuries or trauma to the head, neck, and chest
- An infection, irritation or allergic reaction causing narrowing of the esophagus
- An immune system problem causing swelling and weakness
- Nerve damage from surgery or radiation therapy
- Medications for tremor or rigidity
Swallowing problems may also occur if something is blocking the throat or esophagus, like:
- Esophageal tumors
- Diverticula
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) causing ulcers and scars in the esophagus
- Lymph nodes, tumors, or bone spurs on the vertebrae that press on the esophagus