Difficulty swallowing, medically known as dysphagia, is when individuals have trouble passing food or liquid from the mouth to the stomach. This condition can be both uncomfortable and dangerous, as it can lead to poor nutrition, dehydration, and even aspiration pneumonia if food enters the respiratory tract.
Causes of difficulty swallowing
Difficulties in swallowing, or dysphagia, stem from diverse etiologies. Neurological disorders, such as stroke, cerebral palsy, or Parkinson’s disease, can impair the nerves responsible for swallowing. Structural issues, like esophageal stricture or tumors, physically obstruct passage.
Esophageal motility disorders, including achalasia and scleroderma, disrupt the coordinated muscle contractions of the esophagus. Infections and inflammatory conditions, such as esophagitis, can also cause swelling and pain that hinder swallowing. Even psychological factors, like anxiety, can contribute to perceived dysphagia. Addressing the root cause is crucial for effective treatment and symptom resolution.
Symptoms
Beyond the immediate difficulty in swallowing, individuals may experience coughing or choking when eating, recurrent heartburn, regurgitation of food, unexpected weight loss, and a sensation of food being stuck in the throat.
Diagnosing dysphagia
To diagnose dysphagia, a thorough medical history and physical examination are essential. Physicians at Louisiana ENT may employ various diagnostic tests, including barium X-rays, endoscopy, manometry, and swallow studies, to understand the underlying cause.
Treatment options
The treatment for dysphagia depends on the underlying cause. Options can range from muscle exercises to improve swallowing mechanics, dietary changes, medication, dilation therapy for esophageal strictures, or surgery in more severe cases.
