10 Dermatomyositis Symptoms
Reviewed: Dr. Gromatzky
Symptom #7: Dysphagia
Dysphagia is the medical term for difficulty swallowing. If the condition progresses gradually, individuals may be unaware at first that they even have the condition. It should be distinguished from odynophagia, which refers to painful swallowing. Dysphagia may manifest as coughing, choking, unexplained weight loss, frequent bouts of pneumonia, and nasal regurgitation.
In dermatomyositis, the weakening of muscles in the neck, throat, or tongue can result in dysphagia. Treatment of dysphagia may include dietary changes, swallowing therapy, feeding tubes, or surgery.
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