title: Swallowing disorders in the elderly.
abstract: The classic symptoms of dysphagia, heartburn, and chest pain are the presenting manifestation of oropharyngeal and esophageal disorders in the elderly as well as the young. Several unique conditions, including Zenker's diverticulum and vascular compression of the esophagus, may occur in the elderly. Certain disorders, such as oropharyngeal dysphagia due to neurologic disorder, increase in frequency with age. Treatment approaches are similar in elderly and younger patients, but the potential for adverse drug effects and interaction is greater in the elderly than in the young.
authors.affiliation: Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Mendez
authors.forename: L S
authors.initials: LS
authors.lastname: Friedman
authors.forename: D O
authors.initials: DO
authors.lastname: Castell
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D003680:Deglutition Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans