For the vast majority of people, swallowing is a normal and automatic process. However, for about 15 million individuals in the United States, this apparently simple action can become a significant challenge because of a condition called dysphagia, or trouble swallowing.
Are there different kinds of dysphagia?
Dysphagia is classified into two main forms, each stemming from different parts of the swallowing mechanism.
Dysphagia stemming from the esophagus
Esophageal dysphagia arises when problems affect the esophagus, the muscular tube responsible for transporting food from the throat to the stomach. A number of factors can contribute to esophageal dysphagia, including inflammation, narrowing, or obstruction of the esophagus.
What are the symptoms of esophageal dysphagia?
Prevalent symptoms of this type include:
- Unexplained Weight Loss: Trouble swallowing can lead to decreased food intake and subsequent weight loss.
- Nocturnal Coughing: Food entering the airways causes chronic coughing at night.
- Decreased Appetite: Difficulty swallowing can cause a lack of interest in eating.
- Nausea: Feeling of nausea or discomfort after eating, possibly due to undigested food in the esophagus.
- Chest Pain: A burning feeling or pressure in the chest area after swallowing.
Oropharyngeal dysphagia
Trouble in the initial phase of swallowing is a common symptom of oropharyngeal dysphagia, which generally impacts the mouth (pharynx) and the throat (oropharynx). Neurological or muscular issues are often at the root of this condition.
What are the symptoms of oropharyngeal dysphagia?
Here are a few of the symptoms:
- Unexplained Weight Loss: Similar to esophageal dysphagia, often due to eating problems.
- Food Sticking in the Throat: Food regularly gets stuck in the throat.
- Frequent Coughing While Eating: Persistent coughing when attempting to eat, which may indicate aspiration or difficulty with the process of swallowing.
- Breathing Problems While Eating: Problems breathing or choking incidents while eating.
- Extended Chewing Time: Taking an unusually long time to properly chew food.
- Drooling: Excessive saliva production or trouble controlling saliva.
- Decreased Appetite: Lack of interest in food, which can result from discomfort or trouble swallowing.
Treating dysphagia
The management and treatment of dysphagia differ depending on the root cause and type of dysphagia. The specific problem causing problems swallowing will require a customized treatment approach. Here are a few normally suggested strategies:
Swallowing exercises
The muscles involved in swallowing can be coordinated and reinforced by doing therapeutic exercises. These exercises are tailored to retrain the muscles to work effectively together, making swallowing safer and easier. These exercises are normally guided by an occupational therapist or a speech-language pathologist.
Changes to diet
Dietary changes are often a key element in controlling dysphagia. Avoiding foods that make swallowing more difficult and eating softer foods that are easier to swallow, like purees, is something that your healthcare provider might recommend. The individual’s personal requirements will direct particular dietary changes.
Medications
If dysphagia is associated with conditions like gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or chronic heartburn, medications may be prescribed. Reduction of stomach acid is the goal of these medications which prevent stomach acid from getting up into the esophagus, thereby decreasing symptoms of GERD.
Getting treatment for dysphagia by an ENT specialist
If you suspect you are suffering from dysphagia, it’s crucial to seek the advice of an ENT specialist. A comprehensive evaluation can help establish the type and cause of dysphagia, leading to a more precise diagnosis and effective treatment strategy. Early treatment can substantially improve your quality of life and ease the challenges associated with swallowing challenges.
Call us today if you are experiencing symptoms of dysphagia.