Dysphagia is a disorder that makes swallowing difficult. People may find it hard to move food or liquid from the mouth into the digestive tract. Some people have this difficulty only when they are eating or drinking, while others have trouble whenever they attempt to swallow. For some, this problem is short-lived; others deal with it permanently.
Dysphagia Risk Factors
Many things can lead to difficulty with swallowing. A person might have an infection or tumor that makes it hard for food and liquid to move through the digestive tract. Others struggle with acid reflux or muscle and nerve problems that affect the digestive system. A brain injury or nervous system disorder might cause or contribute to dysphagia, and individuals who have undergone head and neck surgery or been treated with radiation are at higher risk of developing this disorder. Certain medications may also interfere with a person’s ability to swallow. When the underlying cause has been determined, a speech and language therapist can decide the appropriate treatment for dysphagia.
Dysphagia Signs and Symptoms
People with dysphagia often drool, spit their food back up, or cough after they swallow. Their voice may sound hoarse or wet after they eat or drink, and many people say they feel like the food is trapped in their throat. Others experience a feeling of pressure in the chest after eating. Frequent lung infections and unexplained weight loss are other signs of dysphagia that family members should watch for.
Diagnosing Dysphagia
When a person visits their doctor because of trouble swallowing, the doctor will ask several questions. They need to know if the problem is when the person is eating or drinking or whenever they try to swallow. This information helps them determine how to proceed.
Doctors typically start with a water swallow test. This test helps them see how the person swallows thin liquids, which are easier to choke on than thicker ones. As this test is conducted, the doctor looks for signs of dysphagia and aspiration. The doctor might also send the patient to a speech-language pathologist for this testing.
Treating Dysphagia
A doctor or speech-language pathologist must determine the underlying cause of the dysphagia to develop a treatment plan. Individuals with throat muscle spasms or acid reflux often improve with medications. Dietary changes help reduce the risk of choking, and foods may need to be thickened to be easier to swallow. Changing the position of the head and body can make swallowing easier, and therapists might be asked to provide exercises to strengthen the muscles used when swallowing.
Some patients need surgery to correct the dysphagia. If the esophagus has narrowed or there are other medical conditions, the doctor will recommend this treatment. Surgery might also be needed to insert a feeding tube if the patient is struggling to eat and losing weight or experiencing other health issues.
When to See a Doctor
Patients often wonder when they should see a doctor about their swallowing difficulties. Any person who is losing weight without trying should schedule an appointment with their doctor. If new symptoms develop or existing ones worsen, it’s time to be seen by a medical professional. Dehydration is of concern in men and women with dysphagia, and people who get colds frequently should talk with their doctor and determine why.
Individuals with dysphagia have the right to help create their treatment plan. Input from the patient increases the likelihood of adhering to the plan. Make an appointment today to have the swallowing disorder addressed, as it is always best to know what one is dealing with and how to move forward with treating it.
Lexy Summer is a talented writer with a deep passion for the art of language and storytelling. With a background in editing and content creation, Lexy has honed her skills in crafting clear, engaging, and grammatically flawless writing.
