title: Dysphagia. A practical approach to diagnosis.
abstract: Our diagnostic approach to a patient with dysphagia begins with detailed history taking and physical examination. On the basis of findings, a radiographic and/or endoscopic study of the esophagus is done. We usually have barium-swallow radiography done initially, and if the radiographs are equivocal, upper gastrointestinal endoscopy is performed. Manometric studies are reserved for patients with suspected motility disorders.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine, Los Angeles County-University of Southern California Medical Center 90033.
authors.forename: R D
authors.initials: RD
authors.lastname: Yang
authors.forename: J E
authors.initials: JE
authors.lastname: Valenzuela
mesh_terms: D001466:Barium Sulfate; D003663:Decision Trees; D003680:Deglutition Disorders / Q000145:classification / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D004945:Esophagoscopy; D005194:Family Practice / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008365:Manometry; D008487:Medical History Taking; D010808:Physical Examination
chemical_list: D001466:Barium Sulfate