ABSTRACT
Dysphagia is defined as a difficulty in swallowing. It often heralds significant esophageal pathology and the symptom of true dysphagia should always be investigated urgently. There are many causes of dysphagia (see Box 2.1) but in clinical practice the four most commonly encountered causes are:
• Peptic strictures • Esophageal malignancy • Esophageal dysmotility • Achalasia
This chapter will concentrate on these four main causes and the setting up of a dysphagia clinic.
