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Dysphagia, or difficulty in swallowing can either develop suddenly over a short duration (acute) or may persist over a long period of time (chronic)
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Sometimes dysphagia may be accompanied by painful swallowing, hoarsenesses of voice, or even with difficulty in opening the mouth
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A complete or a partial break in the continuity of the bone is called a fracture. It may occur due to direct trauma, compressive forces, or underlying bone disease
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Any type of foreign material like coins, bone pieces, and dentures can cause acute dysphagia. These may require immediate hospital care as they can be potentially life threatening
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A fungi known as candida is a normal part of the human mouth and gut. However, in people with reduced immunity, it can become pathogenic and cause curd-like plaques on tongue, further resulting in dysphagia
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A condition known as Plummer-Vinson Syndrome mostly marked by iron deficiency anemia, dysphagia webs in the oesophagus commonly seen in middle aged women
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Carcinoma of the tongue, especially the posterior one third of it causes difficulty in swallowing, pain while swallowing and foul breath
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An enlarged thyroid may be a cause for dysphagia. Cancer in thyroid gland, the butterfly shaped gland in the neck, can cause swallowing problems
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Fish bones may get stuck in the oesophagus as they are sharp and slender. If not removed timely, it may cause complications like perforation and obstruction
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A barium swallow test helps find the cause of difficulty swallowing. The patient drinks a barium solution, and X-rays are taken to spot any problems while they swallow.