Swallowing is a natural and effortless process for most people. However, for approximately 15 million individuals in the United States, this seemingly simple action can become a substantial challenge due to a condition known as dysphagia, or trouble swallowing.
Are there different types of dysphagia?
There are two primary forms of dysphagia depending on what part of the swallowing mechanism is the source.
Dysphagia stemming from the esophagus
Esophageal dysphagia occurs when problems affect the esophagus, the muscular tube responsible for transporting food from the throat to the stomach. Numerous factors can contribute to esophageal dysphagia, including inflammation, narrowing, or obstruction of the esophagus.
Esophageal dysphagia symptoms
Here are a few of the most prevalent symptoms:
- Nausea: Undigested food stuck in the esophagus causing nausea and discomfort.
- Chest Pain: A burning feeling or pressure in the chest area after swallowing.
- Nocturnal Coughing: Persistent coughing at night, often as food or liquid gets into the airway.
- Decreased Appetite: A loss of interest in eating due to discomfort or trouble swallowing.
- Unexplained Weight Loss: Difficulty swallowing can lead to decreased food intake and subsequent weight loss.
Oropharyngeal dysphagia
Trouble in the initial stage of swallowing is a common symptom of oropharyngeal dysphagia, which typically affects 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:
- Food Sticking in the Throat: Frequent feeling of food getting lodged in the throat.
- Unexplained Weight Loss: Similar to esophageal dysphagia, usually due to eating problems.
- Breathing Problems While Eating: Problems breathing or choking incidents during meals.
- Frequent Coughing While Eating: Chronic coughing when trying to eat, which may indicate aspiration or difficulty with the process of swallowing.
- Decreased Appetite: Difficulty swallowing or discomfort causing lack of interest in eating.
- Extended Chewing Time: Taking an abnormally long time to properly chew food.
- Drooling: Trouble regulating the production of saliva.
What are treatment strategies for dysphagia?
Depending on the type of dysphagia and its root cause, there could be numerous potential treatment and management options. Treatment approaches are personalized to target the distinct issues contributing to swallowing difficulties. Here are a few commonly suggested strategies:
Swallowing exercises
The muscles involved in swallowing can be coordinated and strengthened by doing therapeutic exercises. Swallowing will be simpler and safer by doing these exercises because they help train the muscles to work more effectively together. A speech-language pathologist or occupational therapist typically guides these exercises.
Dietary adjustments
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 suggest. The individual’s personal requirements will guide specific dietary modifications.
Medications
Medications might be prescribed if gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is at the root of the swallowing issues. Reduction of stomach acid is the objective of these medications which stop stomach acid from getting up into the esophagus, thereby reducing symptoms of GERD.
Consulting an ENT specialist for dysphagia
It’s essential that you go see an ENT specialist if you suspect you may be dealing with dysphagia. You will get a more precise understanding of what type of dysphagia you’re dealing with and the most effective treatment plan with a comprehensive evaluation by an ENT. Early treatment can significantly improve your quality of life and ease the difficulties associated with swallowing difficulties.
If you’re noticing symptoms of dysphagia, call us right away for an assessment.