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Conditions We Treat: Swallowing Disorders
Swallowing is a set of coordinated muscle movements that control the mouth, the back of the throat (pharynx) and the food tube (esophagus). Swallowing occurs without us even thinking about it, yet it is a complex and vital function; it is very important to eating and to social interaction.
Swallowing Disorders: What You Need to Know
- A person swallows approximately 600 times per day, so swallowing disorders can seriously interfere with your quality of life.
- The term “swallowing disorders” includes a number of different conditions. If you have any unexplained pain or difficulty swallowing, see your gastroenterologist for a definitive diagnosis.
- Diagnostic procedures include endoscopy and motility studies.
- There are a variety of treatment options for swallowing disorders, depending on your specific diagnosis. Treatments include medication, Botox injections and surgery.
Patient Resources
Learn more about swallowing disorders in our Health Library
Read a more in-depth article about swallowing disorders, written by Johns Hopkins gastroenterologists, which details the anatomical description of the causes of swallowing disorders.
Read our FAQs about swallowing disorders.
Why choose Johns Hopkins Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology for swallowing disorders?
Our Physicians
Our physicians have years of experiencing diagnosing and treating even the most challenging swallowing disorders.
Meet our physicians:
Our Services
Noninvasive and painless, the Wireless Motility Capsule provides data that can help treat your gastroparesis.
Learn more about the Wireless Motility Capsule.
Our Patient Education
The per-oral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) is a relatively new surgical treatment for achalasia.
Watch a video that explains POEM.Request an Appointment
For locations in Maryland
Phone Number: 410-933-7495
Fax Numbers:
Gastroenterology: 410-500-4267
Hepatology: 410-500-4257
For locations in the National Capital Region/Washington, DC
Phone Number: 202-660-5555
Fax Numbers:
Gastroenterology: 202-660-6103
Hepatology: 202-660-7359
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Traveling for Care?
Whether you're crossing the country or the globe, we make it easy to access world-class care at Johns Hopkins.
Outside of Maryland (toll free)
410-464-6713
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Medical Concierge Services
International Patients
+1-410-502-7683
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