Which diseases are associated with dysphagia?

Dysphagia, which is the medical term for difficulty swallowing, can be associated with a variety of conditions that affect the muscles and nerves involved in swallowing. The correct choice highlights gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) as conditions associated with dysphagia.

GERD can lead to swallowing difficulties due to the irritation of the esophagus from stomach acid, which may cause inflammation and discomfort when swallowing. Over time, this chronic issue can lead to changes in swallowing mechanics.

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), on the other hand, is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects the motor neurons in the brain and spinal cord. As the disease progresses, it can impair muscle control, including the muscles involved in swallowing, leading to dysphagia.

The other options listed do not share a strong connection with dysphagia. Alzheimer’s disease does affect swallowing, but it is not mentioned alongside GERD, and hypertension does not directly contribute to dysphagia. Hyperthyroidism may have some indirect effects but is not commonly associated with swallowing difficulties, nor is chronic fatigue syndrome primarily linked to dysphagia. Therefore, the correct answer effectively identifies conditions that are known to directly impact swallowing