Medical history (history of illness) represents an important component in the diagnosis of dysphagia (swallowing disorder).
Family history
Social history
Current anamnesis/systemic anamnesis (somatic and psychological complaints).
- How long have the swallowing difficulties been present?
- Did the discomfort come on suddenly or slowly?
- Do they persist throughout or episodically?
- Do you have dysphagia only with solid or liquid foods or with all food forms?
- Does the dysphagia occur in all body positions* or only when lying down, sitting, etc.?
- Do you have to gag when eating?
- Do you have difficulty chewing?
- Do you choke frequently?
- Do you have a lumpy/strange feeling (globus sensation) in your throat?
- Do you additionally suffer from hoarseness or hiccups?
- Do you suffer from shortness of breath during meals* ?
- Do you cough more than before?
- Have you noticed food or liquids coming out of your nose?
- Do you notice increased mucus production?
- Do you experience pain when swallowing?
- Do you suffer from pain in the chest or abdomen?* .
- Do you have / have you had heartburn / acid regurgitation?
- Have you noticed a wheezing breathing sound?
- Are you suffering or have you suffered from pneumonia? How often?
- Do you have frequent infections?
- Do you take longer to eat than before?
- Do you avoid certain foods and food consistencies?
Vegetative history including nutritional history.
- Have you lost body weight unintentionally? If so, how much in what time?
- Do you eat a balanced diet?
- Do you like to drink coffee, black and green tea? If so, how many cups per day?
- Do you drink other or additional caffeinated beverages? If so, how much of each?
- Do you smoke? If yes, how many cigarettes, cigars or pipes per day?
- Do you drink alcohol? If yes, what drink(s) and how many glasses per day?
- Do you use drugs? If yes, what drugs and how often per day or per week?
Self history incl. medication history.
- Pre-existing conditions (neck–head tumors, gastrointestinal disorders, neurological disorders, infections, injuries, etc.).
- Operations
- Radiotherapy
- Allergies
- Environmental history (botulinum toxin)
- Drug history
Medication history
- Aminoglycosides – drug from the group of antibiotics (drugs against bacterial inflammation).
- Anticholinergics – agents that inhibit the action of the transmitter acetylcholine.
- Chemotherapy (drug therapy of cancer) – resulting in stomatitis (inflammation of the oral mucosa) and esophagitis (inflammation of the esophagus).
- Medications that can cause esophagitis (esophagitis): e.g., bisphosphonates, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID), potassium chloride.
- Muscle relaxants – drugs that lead to muscle relaxation.
- Steroids
- Cytostatics (drugs for the treatment of cancer).
* If this question has been answered with “Yes”, an immediate visit to the doctor is required! (Information without guarantee)
