Dysphagia may be classified based on the location into oropharyngeal dysphagia or esophageal dysphagia. Dysphagia may also be classified based on etiology into further six subclasses which include infectious, metabolic, myopathic, neurological, structural and, iatrogenic.

Dysphagia may be classified based on the location into two major types:^[1][2][3]

• Oropharyngeal dysphagia
• Esophageal dysphagia

Dysphagia can also be classified based on the etiology into six sub classes:

• Infectious
• Metabolic
• Myopathic
• Neurological
• Structural
• Iatrogenic

• Arises from abnormalities of the upper esophagus, pharynx, and oral cavity.

• Arises from the body of the esophagus, lower esophageal sphincter, or cardia of the stomach.
• Most commonly esophageal dysphagia is either due to mechanical obstruction of esophageal lumen or motility problems.

• Dysphagia due to no organic cause.
• Diagnosis of exclusion.