Swallowing is a normal and effortless process for most people. However, a condition called dysphagia, or trouble swallowing, is a challenge for about 15 million people in the United States alone.
What are the types of dysphagia?
Dysphagia is categorized into two primary types, each originating from different parts of the swallowing mechanism.
Dysphagia stemming from the esophagus
When there is a problem with the muscular tube that transports food to the stomach from the throat, it can cause a condition called esophageal dysphagia. 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 common symptoms:
- Decreased Appetite: A lack of interest in eating due to discomfort or trouble swallowing.
- Nocturnal Coughing: Food getting into the airways causes chronic coughing at night.
- Nausea: Undigested food stuck in the esophagus causing nausea and discomfort.
- Unexplained Weight Loss: Weight loss can frequently be the outcome when food intake is reduced by trouble swallowing.
- Chest Pain: Pain or discomfort in the chest area after swallowing, which may feel like a pressure or burning sensation.
Oropharyngeal dysphagia
Difficulty in the initial stage of swallowing is a common symptom of oropharyngeal dysphagia, which typically impacts the mouth (pharynx) and the throat (oropharynx). This form often involves muscular or neurological issues.
Oropharyngeal dysphagia symptoms
Here are some of the symptoms:
- Frequent Coughing While Eating: Coughing while eating as a consequence of trouble swallowing.
- Extended Chewing Time: Chewing takes an unusually long time.
- Drooling: Trouble regulating the production of saliva.
- Unexplained Weight Loss: Problems eating causing loss of weight, similar to esophageal dysphagia.
- Food Sticking in the Throat: Food regularly gets stuck in the throat.
- Breathing Problems While Eating: Incidents of choking while eating and breathing issues.
- Decreased Appetite: Lack of interest in food, which can result from discomfort or trouble swallowing.
Treating dysphagia
The management and treatment of dysphagia vary based on the underlying cause and type of dysphagia. Treatment approaches are customized to address the specific problems contributing to trouble swallowing. Here are a few normally recommended approaches:
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 function effectively with each other, making swallowing safer and smoother. A speech-language pathologist or occupational therapist typically guides these exercises.
Dietary changes
Dietary changes are often a key element in managing dysphagia. Your healthcare provider may recommend specific kinds of food that are easier to swallow, such as soft or pureed foods, and recommend steering clear of certain textures or consistencies that may worsen swallowing troubles. The individual’s personal requirements will direct specific dietary changes.
Medications
If dysphagia is associated with conditions like gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or chronic heartburn, medications may be prescribed. These medications aim to decrease stomach acid and stop it from irritating the esophagus, thereby alleviating symptoms associated with acid reflux.
Getting treatment for dysphagia by an ENT specialist
It’s important that you go see an ENT specialist if you think you may be coping with dysphagia. You will get a more accurate understanding of what form of dysphagia you’re experiencing and the most effective treatment plan with a thorough evaluation by an ENT. Trouble swallowing can be eased and quality of life improved by getting early treatment.
Call us today if you are noticing symptoms of dysphagia.