What Does Dysphagia from Mechanical Obstruction Sound Like?

The following patient presents with dysphagia (swallowing difficulties) secondary to the presence of prominent anterior cervical osteophytes at the level of C3-C6, most prominent at C4.

Dysphagia symptoms include:

  • Occasional coughing noted when eating solids as well as drinking fluids.
  • Multiple swallows per bolus

I managed to record the patient’s usual swallowing sound using my iPhone 6s. Could this be the sound of mechanical obstruction?

osteophytes
MRI Cervical Spine shows cervical myelopathy. Prominent anterior cervical osteophytes from C3-C6.
osteophytes label

The sound of patient swallowing 10ml water recorded using an iPhone 6s. Note multiple swallows & loud squish sound.

Comments

One response to “What Does Dysphagia from Mechanical Obstruction Sound Like?”

  1. Ilmu Forensik Avatar

    In some cases, surgical intervention may be necessary to remove the osteophytes and relieve the obstruction.

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