A Swallowing Impairment With Several Potential Causes
“Dysphagia” means “difficulty swallowing.”
This article will discuss what dysphagia feels like, how it’s diagnosed, and its treatment options.
There are two main types of dysphagia, and within these types are several possible causes.
Illustration by Mira Norian for Verywell Health
Long-termneurological conditionslikeParkinson’s disease,stroke, andAlzheimer’sare common causes of oropharyngeal dysphagia.
Structural problemsthat press on or otherwise interfere with the tissues/muscles involved in swallowing are additional causes.
Example include:
Medicationsmay also cause or contribute to oropharyngeal dysphagia, such asantipsychotic drugs,antihistamines, ordiuretics.
Examples include:
Pill-induced esophagitisis another reason for esophageal dysphagia.
It results from injury to the tissue lining the esophagus sparked by taking certain medications.
Swallowing can be divided into two primary stagestheoropharyngealandesophageal stages.
When evaluating dysphagia, sorting out which stage the swallowing impairment occurs is a key first step.
This seal prevents food or fluids from backtracking into the nose, airways, or lungs.
Also going on during this time is the relaxation of thelower esophageal sphincter(a one-way valve).
This relaxation is in preparation for the passage of food or fluid into the stomach.
The highly coordinated series of muscle movements that pushes foods or fluids through the esophagus is calledperistalsis.
In older adults, dysphagia is also linked to a reduced life expectancy and decreased quality of life.
The treatment of dysphagia depends on the underlying diagnosis.
It may include lifestyle changes, medication, swallowing rehabilitation, or surgery.
While not an exhaustive list, examples of dysphagia therapies include the following.
Treatment ofpill-induced esophagitisinvolves stopping the offending drug.
A swallowing therapist can teach you exercises to strengthen your jaw, lip, and tongue.
They can also teach techniques to help you swallow more efficiently and safely.
They will also review specific foods on amechanical soft dietor pureed diet.
Various surgical procedures may also be recommended to manage dysphagia.
For example, withesophageal strictures, gentle widening of the esophagus using a balloon dilator duringendoscopymay be performed.
Managing Chronic Dysphagia
Dysphagia can be acute or chronic, depending on the fundamental cause.
The goals of managing chronic dysphagia involve preventing complications and optimizing the patient’s comfort and quality of life.
Managing dysphagia may entail lifestyle modifications, swallow rehabilitation, medication, and/or surgery.
Depending on the dysphagia diagnosis, swallowing techniques and adopting a soft or pureed diet may also be helpful.
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