A rare case presentation of psychogenic dysphagia in 7 year old boy: A case report

Abstract

Background: The incidence of dysphagia due to psychogenic dysphagia is quite common in adults, but the incidence at 5 – 14 year old age is rare. The incidence is 1.3 per 100.000 cases of dysphagia. The main problem of dysphagia is the inability to intake, which leads to dehydration and malnutrition. Various diagnostic tests should be performed to rule out the anatomical and neurogenic causes before a psychogenic dysphagia diagnosis is established. This case report describes a rare case of dysphagia due to psychogenic dysphagia in children. Case Report: We report a case of a 7-year-old boy with difficulty swallowing since 12 days before admission, which worsened in the last 5 days. The patient was suspected of achalasia and was referred to an otolaryngologist at Prof. Ngoerah Hospital. Laboratory tests were within normal limits. Head CT scan showed no abnormality. The patient consulted a psychiatrician and was diagnosed with observation of dysphagia due to psychogenic dysphagia. After diagnosis, psychogenic dysphagia was confirmed and treated; the complaint was relieved. Conclusion: Psychogenic dysphagia should be kept in mind as a differential diagnosis, especially in children presented with difficulty swallowing and normal diagnostic imaging.