Having Difficulties in Swallowing?

Having Difficulties in Swallowing?

Having Difficulties in Swallowing?

Also known as dysphagia, “difficulty swallowing” is generally a sign of problems with either your esophagus or your throat. Dysphagia is more common in babies, the elderly, and individuals with brain or nervous system disorders, but anyone can have difficulty swallowing at any time.

hard time swallowing treatment

Causes and Concerns

There are several reasons why the throat or the esophagus might not function correctly. Some are minor while others are more serious health conditions. If you or a member of your family only experience difficulty swallowing a few times, you don’t need to worry, as this is likely not a major medical problem. However, if this happens frequently it may be a warning sign of a serious issue that needs to be addressed by your health care provider.

There are two kinds of conditions that could possibly be causing difficulty swallowing. One involves the nerves and muscles that move food from the throat and esophagus. If these structures are not functioning properly, your swallowing problem could be the result of:

These injuries result in difficulty swallowing.

This could include diseases such as muscular dystrophy or multiple sclerosis.

These cause inflammation, swelling, and weakness of the esophagus and throat.

This involves sudden squeezing of the muscles of the esophagus.

This is a condition where esophageal tissues become narrowed and hardened. This condition can also cause the lower esophageal muscles to weaken so stomach acids and food will back up into your mouth and throat.

The second cause involves something blocking your esophagus or throat due to:

This is where stomach acid frequently backs up into your esophagus. GERD can result in esophageal ulcers and scarring that forms can cause narrowing of your esophagus.

With this condition, there is inflammation of the esophagus, which may be caused by things like GERD, infections, allergic reactions, or the presence of a foreign body in your esophagus.

 The presence of small sacs (diverticula) in the walls of your esophagus and/or throat can lead to difficulty swallowing.

These growths may be either benign or cancerous.

A throat specialist can evaluate and treat you for difficulty swallowing. Depending on the severity of your individual health condition, he or she may refer you to a GI specialist or neurologist. Some of the procedures and test the doctor may perform include:

Causes and Concerns

A throat specialist can evaluate and treat you for difficulty swallowing. Depending on the severity of your individual health condition, he or she may refer you to a GI specialist or neurologist. Some of the procedures and test the doctor may perform include:

  • X-rays of your neck and/or chest are done for evaluation.

  •  Barium swallow:  This is an X-ray of your esophagus and throat.

  • Fluoroscopy:  This is a type of barium swallow where your dysphagia is videotaped.

  • Upper GI endoscopy or Esophagoscopy:  This involves a thin, flexible scope placed in your mouth and down your throat so the doctor can view your esophagus, stomach and/or upper intestines. Also, a biopsy to check for cancer cells may be done.

Naturally, treatment for your condition will depend on the cause. Some of the solutions and options we offer for dysphagia include:

 If a neurological disorder is causing your swallowing problems, exercises will train your muscles to work together again to aid in swallowing.

If the foods and fluids you consume are the problem, the doctor will help you adjust your diet to make swallowing easier.

This involves a device put down your esophagus to expand the narrow areas of your esophagus. Repeat procedures may be necessary.

With this procedure, the doctor uses a long, thin scope to remove a foreign body stuck in your esophagus.

Difficulty swallowing is seldom caused by a cancerous tumor or serious neurological disorder. However, if the problem does not resolve itself within a short time, you should consult one of our competent, specially trained throat specialists. The doctor can offer you a solution to your symptom.

When the doctor finds a problem, removal of a tumor or diverticula is done with surgical intervention.

Causes and Concerns

Difficulty swallowing is seldom caused by a cancerous tumor or serious neurological disorder. However, if the problem does not resolve itself within a short time, you should consult one of our competent, specially trained throat specialists. The doctor can offer you a solution to your symptom.

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