Dysphagia Tests Test
Dysphagia tests help find out why you have trouble swallowing. They can show where the problem is and what type of dysphagia you may have.
What this test measures
Dysphagia tests measure how well you can swallow. They check for problems in your mouth, throat, or esophagus that make swallowing difficult.
What your results mean
Reference ranges vary by laboratory and by your age and sex. MedlinePlus does not publish a single normal range for this test — always read your result against the range printed on your own lab report and discuss it with your provider.
Frequently asked questions
What is dysphagia?
Dysphagia is a term that means difficulty swallowing. It is an ongoing problem where it takes more time and effort to move food from your mouth to your stomach.
What are the different types of dysphagia?
Types include oral cavity dysphagia (mouth), oropharyngeal dysphagia (throat), and esophageal dysphagia (esophagus).
What can cause dysphagia?
Causes include stroke, muscular or nerve problems, certain cancers, neurologic diseases like multiple sclerosis or Parkinson's disease, esophageal stricture, esophageal cancer, and GERD.
What happens if dysphagia is not treated?
You may be at risk for choking, dehydration, malnutrition, or aspiration (food or liquids getting into your airway), which can lead to pneumonia.
What do the test results mean?
Results can show where the problem is and what type of dysphagia you have. A screening test only shows if you are at risk; your provider may order follow-up testing.
Related lab tests
Sources
- MedlinePlus: Dysphagia Tests — NIH MedlinePlus
Last updated . Information is aggregated from official public sources and is not a substitute for professional medical care.