For the vast majority of people, swallowing is a natural and automatic process. However, for around 15 million individuals in the United States, this seemingly simple action can become a considerable challenge due to a condition known as dysphagia, or difficulty swallowing.
What are the forms of dysphagia?
Dysphagia is classified into two main types, each originating from different parts of the swallowing mechanism.
Esophageal dysphagia
When there is an issue with the muscular tube that transports food to the stomach from the throat, it can cause a condition known as esophageal dysphagia. Esophageal dysphagia can be caused by problems like a blockage or narrowing of the esophagus and inflammation.
Esophageal dysphagia symptoms
Here are a few of the most prevalent symptoms:
- Unexplained Weight Loss: Weight loss can frequently be the consequence when food intake is reduced by difficulty swallowing.
- Decreased Appetite: Trouble swallowing can cause a lack of interest in eating.
- Nocturnal Coughing: Food entering the airways causes chronic coughing during the night.
- Chest Pain: Pain or discomfort in the chest area after swallowing, which may feel like a pressure or burning sensation.
- Nausea: Feeling of nausea or discomfort after eating, potentially due to undigested food in the esophagus.
Oropharyngeal dysphagia
Oropharyngeal dysphagia impacts the throat (pharynx) and mouth (oropharynx), causing difficulties in the initial phase of swallowing. This form often involves muscular or neurological problems.
What are the symptoms of oropharyngeal dysphagia?
Symptoms might include:
- Unexplained Weight Loss: Difficulty eating causing weight loss, similar to esophageal dysphagia.
- Food Sticking in the Throat: Food regularly gets stuck in the throat.
- Frequent Coughing While Eating: Chronic coughing when attempting to eat, which may indicate aspiration or difficulty with the process of swallowing.
- Breathing Problems While Eating: Difficulty breathing or choking incidents while eating.
- Decreased Appetite: Lack of interest in food, which can result from discomfort or difficulty swallowing.
- Drooling: Trouble controlling the production of saliva.
- Extended Chewing Time: Chewing takes an unusually long time.
What are treatment strategies for dysphagia?
The management and treatment of dysphagia vary based on the root cause and type of dysphagia. Treatment approaches are personalized to address the specific problems contributing to trouble swallowing. Here are a few commonly suggested strategies:
Swallowing exercises
Therapeutic exercises can help develop and coordinate the muscles involved in swallowing. These exercises are designed to retrain the muscles to function effectively with each other, making swallowing safer and easier. A speech-language pathologist or occupational therapist usually guides these exercises.
Dietary adjustments
Changing your diet can be essential in managing dysphagia. Avoiding foods that make swallowing harder and eating softer foods that are easier to swallow, like purees, is something that your healthcare provider might suggest. Dietary changes are often personalized to each individual’s needs.
Medications
If dysphagia is associated with conditions like gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or chronic heartburn, medications may be prescribed. These medications aim to reduce stomach acid and prevent it from irritating the esophagus, thereby relieving symptoms related to acid reflux.
Seeing an ENT specialist for dysphagia
If you suspect you are suffering from dysphagia, it is crucial to consult an ENT specialist. You will get a more precise understanding of what form of dysphagia you’re dealing with and the most effective treatment plan with a comprehensive evaluation by an ENT. Difficulty swallowing can be eased and quality of life improved by getting early treatment.
Call us today if you are experiencing symptoms of dysphagia.