title: Approach to the patient with dysphagia.
abstract: Dysphagia is a fascinating symptom. It is ostensibly simple when defined by trouble swallowing, yet its subtleties in deciphering and its variations in pathophysiology almost mandate a thorough knowledge of medicine itself. With patience and careful questioning, a multitude of various disorders may be suggested before an objective test is performed. Indeed, the ability to diligently and comprehensively explore the symptom of dysphagia is not only rewarding but also a real test for a physician who prides himself or herself on good history taking.
authors.affiliation: Esophageal Disorders Program, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston. Electronic address: ala79md@gmail.com.
authors.forename: Ala' A
authors.initials: AA
authors.lastname: Abdel Jalil
authors.affiliation: Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn.
authors.forename: David A
authors.initials: DA
authors.lastname: Katzka
authors.affiliation: Esophageal Disorders Program, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston.
authors.forename: Donald O
authors.initials: DO
authors.lastname: Castell
mesh_terms: D003680:Deglutition Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D057765:Eosinophilic Esophagitis / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis; D006801:Humans; D008487:Medical History Taking; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
keywords: Diagnosis; Dysphagia; Eosinophilic esophagitis; Motility disorders