Private Bag 93503,
Takapuna
North Shore 0740
www.healthpoint.co.nz
Ear, Nose & Throat (ENT) - Otorhinolaryngology (ORL) Services | Waitematā | Te Whatu Ora
Postal Address
Contact Details
Phone (09) 486 8920
Unfortunately faxes have ceased as from 03.05.2021. Referrals can be emailed if access to the E-referral system is not available.
Please email referrals to ReferralORL@waitematadhb.govt.nz
Swallowing Disorders (Dysphagia)
If you find it difficult to pass food or liquid from your mouth to your stomach, you may have a swallowing disorder or dysphagia. Symptoms may include: a feeling that food is sticking in your throat, discomfort in your throat or chest, a sensation of a ‘lump’ in your throat, coughing or choking.
A disorder may occur in any part of the swallowing process such as the mouth, pharynx (tube at the back of the throat that connects your mouth with your oesophagus), oesophagus (food pipe that takes food to your stomach) or stomach.
Causes of dysphagia include: the common cold, gastro-oesophageal reflux, stroke or a tumour.
Diagnosis may be by examination of a mucous sample or by viewing the pharynx and top of the oesophagus using a small, flexible tube with a tiny camera on the end that is inserted through the nose after numbing it with local anaesthetic. This procedure is called endoscopy of the throat.
Treatments for dysphagia depend on the causes, but may include:
- medication – antacids, muscle relaxants or medicine to slow down stomach acid production
- changes in diet and/or lifestyle
- surgery e.g. stretching or releasing a tightened muscle.
https://www.healthpoint.co.nz/public/ent-head-neck-surgery/ear-nose-throat-ent-otorhinolaryngology-orl-1/