Swallowing & Motility Disorder Treatment 

The motility disorders that cause difficulty swallowing are medical issues that affect up to 20% of adults worldwide. Having an esophageal motility disorder can make eating and drinking tough and often painful, causing a variety of other symptoms as well.  

At Northeast Georgia Physicians Group (NGPG) Heartburn & Swallowing our experts provide patients across North Georgia with the highest quality diagnosis and care. If you or a loved one are struggling with a swallowing or motility disorder, trust our team to deliver a diagnosis and treatment plan tailored to your needs.  

What are the symptoms of swallowing & motility disorders? 

Because swallowing and motility disorders are all different, your symptoms may vary depending on the specific disorder you have. Generally, symptoms of swallowing and motility disorders can include: 

  • Difficulty swallowing 
  • Regurgitation 
  • Chronic coughing 
  • Heart burn 
  • Acid reflux 
  • Nausea 
  • Bad breath 
  • Chest pains 

How are swallowing and motility disorders diagnosed? 

Motility disorders of the esophagus vary widely. Although they may be suspected based on symptoms, barium studies and endoscopy, motility disorders of the esophagus are diagnosed with esophageal manometry. Also widely known as motility testing, it is essentially a pressure measuring test for the esophagus. This test allows your provider to see if the esophageal muscles are squeezing properly and whether the valve mechanism is functioning, leading to your diagnosis.  

What swallowing and motility disorders does NGPG treat? 

Esophageal Diverticula 

Esophageal diverticula are pocket-like structures that develop inside of the esophagus. While uncommon, this condition causes an increased risk of food becoming stuck in the esophagus, causing issues with swallowing or chronic cough. Most people with esophageal diverticula don’t even know they have them. These pockets are typically discovered while looking for another issue in the esophagus. In most cases esophageal diverticula don’t require treatment, but if they are causing an issue, you may need a surgical removal or repair.  

Esophageal Spasm 

Esophageal spasm is caused by the muscles in the esophagus contracting abnormally. When swallowing, people with esophageal spasms will experience contractions that make it difficult for food or liquid to get down their esophagus, sometimes causing them to choke or regurgitate food. These spasms result in difficulty swallowing and at times severe chest pain. Esophageal spasms commonly occur in people who have GERD, and it is thought that acid damage from the disease may be the root cause of some cases. Esophageal spasms can be treated with medications or surgery in persistent cases. 

Ineffective Esophageal Motility (IEM) 

Ineffective esophageal motility (IEM) is a condition where the muscles of the esophagus contract weakly or irregularly, making it difficult for food and liquids to move smoothly from the mouth to the stomach. This dysfunction can lead to symptoms like difficulty swallowing, chest pain, regurgitation and heart burn. While the exact cause of IEM isn’t fully understood, it is commonly associated with other esophageal conditions like GERD.  

How are swallowing and motility disorders treated? 

Our unique practice provides patient diagnostic procedures and treatment under our personal guidance, where we perform and interpret testing and apply the results based on an intimate knowledge of each patient’s problem. When treatment is indicated, we offer the highest quality medical and surgical treatment and follow our patients’ progress. Your treatment plan will be customized based on the results of diagnostic procedures and your unique symptoms. Some of the medical and surgical treatments that NGPG Heartburn & Swallowing offers to treat swallowing and motility disorders are: 

Choose NGPG for Swallowing & Motility Disorder Treatment 

Difficulty swallowing and ineffective motility disorders can be frustrating and at times dangerous. At NGPG Heartburn & Swallowing, we diagnose and treat a wide range of esophageal and swallowing issues for our patients across North Georgia. Whether you or a loved one are dealing with trouble swallowing or chronic heart burn, you can rely on our specialists at NGPG Heartburn & Swallowing to provide personal and effective care for your needs.