Dysphagia is a disorder that affects a person’s ability to swallow. It can make swallowing food or liquids difficult, and it can also cause pain when eating or drinking. While dysphagia is most common among older adults, it can affect people of all ages. Let’s discuss what causes dysphagia, the symptoms associated with it, and how it is treated.
What Causes Dysphagia?
Dysphagia can be caused by a variety of medical conditions including stroke, head and neck cancer, motor neuron diseases like ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis), Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis (MS), cerebral palsy, and other neurological disorders. It can also be caused by certain medications or by an anatomical problem such as a narrowed esophagus or an obstruction in the throat.
Symptoms of Dysphagia
The symptoms of dysphagia vary from person to person depending on the underlying cause. Common symptoms include difficulty swallowing foods and drinks, coughing or choking while eating or drinking, chest pain after eating, regurgitation of food or liquids into the throat or mouth after swallowing, and feeling like food gets stuck in the throat. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms you should see your doctor for a diagnosis and treatment plan.
Treatment for Dysphagia
Treatment for dysphagia depends on the underlying cause and may include medications to relax muscles in the throat; exercises to strengthen muscles; softening foods so they are easier to swallow; using thickening agents to make liquids easier to swallow; avoiding dry foods that may trigger coughing; using postural techniques while eating; using adaptive utensils such as bent spoons; changing posture during meals; and avoiding distractions while eating. Your doctor will be able to recommend treatments best suited for your individual needs based on the diagnosis.
Dysphagia is a disorder that affects a person’s ability to swallow properly which can lead to difficulty chewing and swallowing food or liquid as well as chest pain after eating. There are many potential causes for dysphagia including stroke, head/neck cancer, motor neuron diseases such as ALS or MS, cerebral palsy and other neurological disorders. The treatment for dysphagia will depend upon its underlying cause but may include exercises to strengthen muscles in the throat area along with medications and adaptive utensils such as bent spoons which allow individuals with dysphagia more control over their meals.
If you think you may have dysphagia it is important that you speak with your doctor about the proper diagnosis and treatment options available for your individual needs.
