Nov. 4, 2021 | Swallowing is a simple act that most people take for granted, given that the average healthy adults swallows about once a minute or 2,000 times a day. Unfortunately, not everyone is able to complete this routine task. Difficulty in swallowing, a condition known as dysphagia, causes someone to take more time and effort to move food or liquid from their mouth to their stomach. Difficulty swallowing may also be associated with pain. In some cases, a person may not be able to swallow at all. Occasional difficulty in swallowing usually isn’t a cause for concern, and may simply occur when you eat too fast or don’t chew your food well enough. But persistent difficulty in swallowing may indicate a serious medical condition such as a tumor or neurological disorder that requires treatment. Difficulty swallowing can occur at any age, but it’s more common in older adults. The causes of swallowing problems vary, and the treatment used will depend on the cause.

Nov. 4, 2021 | Swallowing is a complex process. Some 50 pairs of muscles are used to receive food into the mouth, prepare it, and move it from the mouth to the stomach. During the first stage, called the oral phase, the tongue collects the food or liquid, making it ready for swallowing. The tongue and jaw move solid food around in the mouth so it can be chewed. The second stage begins when the tongue pushes the food or liquid to the back of the mouth. This triggers a swallowing response that passes the food through the throat. During this phase, called the pharyngeal phase, the larynx closes tightly and breathing stops to prevent food or liquid from entering the airway and lungs. The third stage begins when food or liquid enters the esophagus, the tube that carries them to the stomach. The passage through the esophagus, called the esophageal phase, usually occurs in about three seconds but can take slightly longer in some cases, such as when swallowing a pill.

Nov. 4, 2021 | Difficulty in swallowing, also known as dysphagia, has many possible causes. Any condition that weakens or damages the muscles and nerves used for swallowing may cause dysphagia. For example, people with diseases of the nervous system, such as cerebral palsy or Parkinson’s disease, often have problems swallowing. A stroke or head injury may weaken or affect the coordination of the swallowing muscles or limit sensation in the mouth and throat. Infants who are born with a cleft palate are unable to suck properly, which complicates nursing and drinking from a regular baby bottle. Cancer of the head, neck, or esophagus may also cause swallowing problems. Sometimes the treatment for these types of cancers can lead to dysphagia. Injuries of the head, neck, and chest may also create swallowing problems. And finally, for people with dementia, memory loss and cognitive decline may make it difficult for them to chew and swallow.

Nov. 4, 2021 | Frequent heartburn, unexpected weight loss and hoarseness are symptoms commonly associated with dysphagia, or difficulty in swallowing. Drooling, the sensation of food getting stuck in your throat or chest and constant coughing when swallowing are also signs of this condition. Dysphagia can make it difficult for you to take in enough food and fluids to stay adequately nourished and hydrated, putting you at risk of malnutrition and dehydration. And if food or liquid enters your airway as you attempt to swallow, respiratory problems or infections like pneumonia can occur. If you are having difficulty with swallowing, you should see a general practitioner. Depending on the suspected cause, you may be referred to an otolaryngologist, a doctor who specializes in treating ear, nose and throat disorders, a gastroenterologist, an expert in digestive disorders or a neurologist, who specializes in diseases of the nervous system.

Nov. 4, 2021 | Treating a problem with swallowing may require learning exercises that help coordinate your swallowing muscles. You may also learn simple ways to place food in your mouth or to position your body to help you swallow successfully. This includes sitting up as straight as possible when you eat and sitting upright for 45 minutes after eating. Surgery is used to treat certain problems associated with swallowing. If a narrowing exists in the throat or esophagus, the area may need to be stretched or dilated. If a muscle is too tight, it may need to be dilated or released surgically through a procedure called a myotomy or with Botulinum Toxin injections. Changing your eating habits can also help. Try eating smaller meals and avoid sticky foods like peanut butter. Although swallowing difficulties can’t be prevented, especially when the cause is neurological in origin, you can reduce your risk of difficulty by eating slowly and chewing your food well.