Management of functional dysphagia

This topic describes the management of functional dysphagia. For general advice about managing functional gastrointestinal disorders, including patient support and psychiatric or psychological assessment, see Approach to managing functional gastrointestinal disorders.

Reassure the patient once significant underlying causes have been excluded, and explain that they will be able to consume enough food and fluid to sustain themselvesBaumann, 2016.

Advise the patient to eat more slowly, take sips of water with food, avoid foods that cause symptoms, and sometimes modify the texture of their diet (more soft foods)Baumann, 2016.